Saudi Railway Company signs international deals at InnoTrans 2026

Saudi Railway Company (SAR) has wrapped up its participation at the InnoTrans 2026 international transport technology exhibition in Berlin, signing a series of contracts and agreements with leading global firms. The company also held technical meetings and site visits aimed at strengthening international partnerships and advancing Saudi Arabia’s railway sector.

The contracts were signed under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and SAR Chairman Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. The agreements cover the expansion of passenger and freight train fleets, upgrades to systems and infrastructure, and the provision of technical support and maintenance services, supporting SAR’s growth plans and boosting the efficiency and readiness of its network.

New contracts to expand the fleet

For passenger transport, SAR signed a financing agreement with the Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) and banks KfW IPEX, Commerzbank, and UBS Switzerland to fund the purchase of 10 new passenger trains from Swiss company Stadler. This deal builds on a previous 2024 contract with Stadler, bringing the total number of trains ordered to 20, which will increase seating capacity and enhance transport services.

In the freight sector, SAR signed a contract with US-based Progress Rail to acquire 33 new locomotives, and another with US firm Greenbrier to manufacture and supply 782 freight wagons. A further agreement was signed with France’s Alstom Transport for technical support and maintenance services, strengthening fleet readiness and operational sustainability.

Strategic partnerships and industry localization

The agreements also include collaborations with Japan’s Hitachi Rail, Turkey’s Astra G, and others. Two memorandums of understanding were signed between Istanad and both Shenyang and Knorr-Bremse, in the presence of SAR CEO Dr. Bashar bin Khaled Al-Malik. These aim to transfer technology and localize the manufacturing and maintenance of brake system components and spare parts, supporting local content and building national industrial capabilities.

International meetings and Vision 2030 support

SAR executives held meetings with leaders of major global companies to explore cooperation opportunities and review the latest technologies, further expanding SAR’s international partnerships and supporting its growth and development plans.

The outcomes of SAR’s participation at InnoTrans 2026 reflect its commitment to leveraging global expertise and technology, transferring knowledge, developing national talent, and strengthening the railway and supply chain ecosystem in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.