The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP) have announced a new agreement to boost the capabilities of young Saudis looking to launch a career in AlUla and the kingdom’s rapidly growing rail sector.

Signed by representatives of The Royal Commission for AlUla and The Saudi Railway Polytechnic in November in Riyadh, the partnership aims to strengthen the long-term and sustainable development of young Saudi talent.

The first stage of the agreement will provide vocational training programmes in railway maintenance and operation that will build sector-specific subjects such as rolling stock and infrastructure through hands-on training.

The comprehensive regeneration of AlUla is powering the development of new mobility options across the county, including new rail and tram services such as the Experiential Tram that will link key heritage, tourist, and residential sites once complete.

Building the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of AlUla’s workforce is critical to achieving RCU’s transformational and development goals, as well as the long-term ambitions of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan.

The history of railways in Saudi Arabia stretches back to 1947 with the construction of the first line, which was followed by the inauguration of a railway linking Dammam with the capital Riyadh.

The launch of the Haramain High Speed Train Railway between Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City in 2018 was a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s rail sector, providing greatly improved speed, safety, and comfort for passengers.

In 2021, Saudi Arabia Railways was created after the annulment of the previous national train operator, the Saudi Railways Organisation.

Mohammed Alshkrah, The Human Capability Development VP at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The ongoing regeneration of AlUla supports the national development goals of Vision 2030 by upskilling young men and women with the knowledge and knowhow needed to forge successful careers in exciting and diverse sectors, such as the growing railway sector in AlUla and the Kingdom.” – TradeArabia News Service