Introduction

A steering committee, which brought together UITP members from the region, was formed in Bahrain, October 2003. An official MENA Division is set to be unveiled at the 2005 UITP World Congress in Rome.

The Role of Public Transport in the MENA Region

The MENA region is characterised by a rapidly growing and young population.
Also the gross domestic product (GDP) is increasing year by year. This growth is fuelled by income from oil but more and more as well from tourism and not in the least business.

In the field of transport a rapid motorisation of the population is taking place together with a rapid urbanisation. History and experiences around the world have shown that public transport plays a primordial role in solving such problems. A good transport infrastructure and service is a prerequisite if we want to maintain the economic growth and not land in over congestion.

The MENA region is experiencing a growing interest in the development of public transport systems. New institutional frameworks, innovative technologies and large infrastructure projects are planned or being implemented in several countries.

The UITP MENA Office in Dubai
The rapid increase of membership and activities means that a regional office is being opened in Dubai to even better serve and support the UITP MENA members. The regional office will guarantee UITP’s presence in the Region and be the link between the region and the main office in Brussels.

What are its principal goals?

In fostering a greatly increased interest, UITP is operating with the following objectives:
     • Gather members of the region
     • Foster exchange of knowledge
     • Increase the participation of MENA members in UITP activities

See: