Mwasalat, a member of Asyad Group, hosted the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) MENA Conference 2024, an elite international gathering of top international experts in public transport to exchange insights and experiences in the key industry trends and challenges with sustainability, green technologies and electric buses taking center stage.
Under the theme Smart Transportation for Sustainable Cities, the 2024 edition was held in Salalah, under the patronage of HE Sayid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, the Governor of Dhofar. The global platform was an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and kick off a cross-border dialogue on sustainability and innovative solutions that can address present challenges while proactively building transport ecosystems designed for a better future.
In addition to a meeting of the Executive Committee, the conference included four main sessions that focused on developing visions for the future of the industry. The first session titled Driving Urban Sustainability Through Public Transport in MENA, focused on the critical role of public transport in realizing sustainability objectives, reducing traffic, and combatting pollution to enable green cities and healthy urban environments.
In the conference’s second session titled Green Technologies: Pioneering Sustainable Public Transport in MENA, experts discussed the latest ecofriendly innovations in the sector such as electric buses and hydrogen fuel. The topic of the third session was intelligent transit systems and their impact on operational efficiency and improving passenger experience. The fourth session, titled Advancing Public Transport Infrastructure and Integration in the MENA Region, explored the latest policies and best practices from different countries around the world.
In a major sustainability initiative during UITP MENA Conference, Mwasalat launched Oman’s first electric bus operating as part of its public transport fleet underlining the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This green addition is aligned with Asyad Group’s sustainability strategy and aims to enable Oman’s drive to net zero by 2050.
Mwasalat also signed a memorandum of understanding with Odyx Aviation, a US-based aviation company developing sustainable unmanned aerial transport solutions. The memorandum covers vital engagements, including research and development, exchange of technical expertise, developing innovative UAV solutions for transport, oil and gas, security, tourism, healthcare and other industries.
In addition, Mwasalat signed another memorandum of understanding with the UAE-based Hycap Middle East to conduct a joint feasibility study to decarbonize Oman’s public transport fleet. The study includes identifying cost and infrastructure requirements, exploring the viability of green fuel, and developing strategies aligned with Mwasalat’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.
The UITP MENA Conference, Hosted by Mwasalat, is a key domestic and international milestone in Oman’s public transporter’s sustainability journey. The elite global platform will unlock new opportunities to exchange valuable expertise and collaborate on tackling challenges and developing sustainable, innovative solutions to improve lives and decarbonize operations, putting sustainability in action for a brighter future in Oman and MENA.
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