King Abdulaziz University and Transport General Authority Launch Kingdom’s First Specialized Bachelor’s Programs in Railway Transport

King Abdulaziz University and the Transport General Authority launched the Kingdom’s first specialized bachelor’s programs in railway transport at the university’s campus in Jeddah. The launch was attended by H.E. Eng. Fawaz bin Znaf AlSahli, President of the Transport General Authority; Dr. Tareef bin Youssef Alaama, President of King Abdulaziz University; and several senior leaders and officials from both institutions.

Approved by the Transport General Authority, the newly launched programs include Railway Engineering and Planning, supervised by the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, and Bachelor of Science in Logistics Management and Railway Transport Services, offered by the Faculty of Economics and Administration and the Faculty of Tourism. The academic tracks have been designed to align with sector needs and labor market requirements.

On this occasion, H.E. the President of the Transport General Authority stated that the launch of these programs represents an important step in the development of the Kingdom’s railway transport sector. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the importance of partnership between the academic and regulatory sectors in building national capabilities, noting that investment in Saudi talent is a key pillar in achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

Coinciding with King Abdulaziz University’s preparations for the academic year 1448 AH, scheduled to begin in late August, the launch will allow students to enroll in specialized fields offered for the first time at the bachelor’s level in the Kingdom. These programs will contribute to preparing qualified national talent capable of keeping pace with the growth of the railway transport sector.

Such programs represent a significant step in advancing integration between the Transport General Authority and its academic partners by linking educational outcomes with the sector’s needs and future directions. They also contribute to localizing knowledge and expertise in engineering, planning, transport, and logistics.

The launch is the result of a strategic partnership between the Transport General Authority and King Abdulaziz University, which began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 20 November 2024. The partnership includes exchanging expertise and scientific knowledge, developing specialized training programs, and enhancing the skills of national talent in railway transport. These efforts support the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in developing the railway sector and align with Saudi Vision 2030 in advancing human capital development, empowering national talent, and increasing local content.