KUWAIT CITY, June 29: Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan emphasized Kuwait's eagerness to benefit from pioneering experiences in the railway sector, particularly those of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), during an official visit by a delegation from Etihad Rail on Sunday.

The visiting UAE delegation was led by Etihad Rail CEO Eng. Shadi Malak. The visit forms part of broader efforts to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states in infrastructure development.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Mashaan highlighted the significance of the Hafeet Rail Company project, a collaborative initiative between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. She described it as a successful model for Gulf integration in infrastructure, and a valuable example from which Kuwait can draw lessons.

“Cooperation with Gulf countries in the railway sector underscores our commitment to advancing regional integration and strengthening both economic and geographical ties within the GCC,” she said. Dr. Al-Mashaan also underscored the importance of continued coordination among technical teams to ensure the implementation of high-quality infrastructure projects that meet the region’s developmental needs.

Undersecretary at the Ministry of Public Works, Eid Al-Rashidi, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to learning from successful regional projects. He noted that early-stage collaboration on such initiatives is vital to achieving a sustainable railway network that fosters regional connectivity and supports shared development objectives.

The meeting also included a technical presentation outlining Kuwait’s future railway plans. Minister Al-Mashaan presented the ministry’s vision for establishing a sustainable national railway network, built on best regional practices and aligned with environmental and economic goals. The initiative is part of Kuwait’s broader aspirations toward sustainable development.