Hamburg: Acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA) Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih has been elected Chair of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) until 2028. The election, in which he received the highest number of votes, took place during the UITP MENA Conference held in Hamburg, Germany, with the participation of transport sector leaders and representatives of relevant authorities.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Rumaih's election is attributed to his leadership in developing modern transport systems, his decades-long experience leading national projects, his representation of the Kingdom in international forums, his full commitment to promoting sustainability and quality in urban transport, and his deep understanding of the sector's needs and future challenges.
The TGA participated in the conference, which addressed key developments and challenges facing the transport sector, including bus operations, freight trucking, and taxi services.
On the sidelines of the conference, Al-Rumaih expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, describing the election as an opportunity to work closely with transport experts and exchange global expertise.
During his speech at the conference, he stated, 'I am delighted to be with you today and to begin this new phase of work with a distinguished team of leaders and professionals. I believe that public transport is not just about infrastructure, but about experience, equity, accessibility, and sustainability.'
Al-Rumaih affirmed that the 2025 MENA Transport Report highlights ongoing investments in the transport sector, including train networks, rapid transit buses, electric buses, and first- and last-mile solutions, despite the sector's challenges related to integration and service quality.
He added, 'Earlier this year, we launched the Riyadh Metro-one of the largest public transport systems in the world to begin full operation in a single phase. Six months after its launch, it has seen high daily usage rates, strong public acceptance, and a notable shift in mobility behavior across the city. When we provide suitable, clean, safe, accessible, and reliable transport services, people respond and adapt.'
He concluded, 'Building a sustainable, human-centered transport system requires genuine collaboration among governments, operators, the private sector, and civil society. The UITP has always played a key role in driving this collaboration, and its role will only grow in the coming years.'