09:00 Chairman’s Welcome And Opening Remarks

09:20 CASE STUDY: Developing A New Sustainable Transport System In Acapulco City Region

• Utilising transportation infrastructure to enhance the development of the Metropolitan Acapulco in the Mexican Pacific Ocean Coast
• Providing a state-of-the-art transport masterplan to attract business from all over the world and facilitate mobility for locals and visitors
• Exploring the role of the urban transportation network in city planning as the backbone for economic growth and fighting poverty in derelict urban areas

Ismael Fernandez Mejía
President
International Society of City Regional Planners

09:40 Sustainability In Urban Transport – A Regional Perspective

• Understanding key elements of adopting a holistic approach to sustainability in transportation
• Considering innovative technological advancements in sustainable transportation
• Exploring initiatives to reduce solo car usage

Neil Walmsley
Associate Director – Gulf Transport Group Leader
Arup

10:00 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: Understanding Innovative Transportation Technologies And World Class Solutions To Create Sustainable Cities

• Allowing individuals to live and work without the need for personal vehicles
• Creating large-scale transportation systems that are carbon neutral and emission free
• Integrating unique transportation systems that utilise revolutionary technologies

Panelists include:

11:00 CASE STUDY: The North–South Railway – The Impact Of Railways On Air Transportation, Land Transportation And The Economy

• Understanding the implications of mega projects on urban transport
• Exploring the benefits of an effective transport system to the economy
• Examining additional opportunities for Saudi Arabia

Gassim Saleh Al-Gassim
Projects Department Director
Saudi Railway Company (SAR)

11:30 CASE STUDY: Overview Of The Damascus Metro Preliminary Study

• Examining various technical options to optimise construction work
• Analysis and proposal of financing strategies
• Assessment of the environmental and social impacts of the project

12:00 CASE STUDY: Understanding The Masterplan And Integration Strategy For The Railroad Network Into Qatar

• Detailed overview of the initial phase of the project
• Exploring the plan for the east coast rail link – A passenger and freight railway linking Ras Laffan and Mesaieed via Doha
• Analysing the integration of the Doha Metro network based on the Qatar Transport Master Plan

Andreas Tockhorn
Resident Director - Qatar
Db International

13:30 CASE STUDY: Beyond Buildings – The Role Of Architects As Urban Infrastructure Designers And Planners

• Understanding the importance of infrastructure in planning, design and sustainability
• Exploring how infrastructure is a critical component of the built environment – One that benefits from good design and suffers without it
• Examples of successful and future transportation planning and design projects located in UAE and the US

Steven Miller
Managing Director, Dubai
FXFOWLE International

13:50 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: The Dubai Metro – Understanding And Analysing The Operational Challenges Of Rail Projects

• Assessing the design and construction decisions that impacted the operability of the metro
• Understanding project management strategies to meet deadlines and overcome challenges
• Addressing short and long-term operation strategies

Panelists include:

14:20 CASE STUDY: Amman-Zarqa Light Rail Line – Examining The Financial Structure Of The Project

• Questioning the universal applicability of the PPP model
• Understanding the complexities of PPPs compared to traditional procurement methods
• Modifying PPP to meet the features of rail projects

Mohannad S. Qudah
Secretary General, Ministry of Transport
Jordan

14:40 Understanding The Core Financing Components Of Making Transport Projects Successful

• Exploring the role of government in planning and facilitating transport projects - Governance, planning and demand management
• Developing optimal funding strategies - Value for money and bridging the gap between public and private sector investments
• Making PPP structures successful

Dr. Ulrich Koegler
Vice President
Booz & Company Düsseldorf/Dubai

15:30INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: Exploring The Future Of Financing And Funding Mass Transportation Projects

• Examining cost sharing initiatives – Contributions from developers, roads and tolling, and businesses
• Considering the importance of demand management for sustainable public transport
• Outlining government's obligations - Achieving long-term financing for transport projects

Panelists include:

16:20 End Of Conference