Design meets technology – a turnkey tramway system to connect AlUla’s core historical districts
Design meets technology – a turnkey tramway system to connect AlUla’s core historical districts
When you combine historical heritage with cutting-edge low-carbon technology, the results are bound to be eye-catching. With the design phase completed for the AlUla turnkey tramway system, Mohamed Khalil, Alstom’s Managing Director for the Middle East RHQ, shares insights into this exceptional project.
In 2021, Mohamed Khalil was appointed Managing Director, Middle East RHQ. Mohamed brings over 25 years of global and regional experience to the role, including 15 years of operational experience in Saudi Arabia. His journey with Alstom began in 2012 and over the years he has held several management positions including, Project Director for Alstom’s Riyadh Metro Project and Managing Director of Alstom in Egypt.
Connect with Mohamed on LinkedIn!
Has the final design of AlUla's tramway been confirmed yet?
That’s correct, the overall design of the Citadis B™ battery tram was already confirmed, but the choice of the materials, the colours, and the overall look and feel required approval, which has now been finalised. The tram features unique elements such as brass and wood-like panelling, and we are grateful for the strong collaboration with our customer to finalise these choices.
To ensure swift decision-making, we focused on delivering high-quality design proposals right from the start, which helped us align with the Royal Commission (RCU) for AlUla’s expectations.
What was the inspiration behind the design for the AlUla tram?
We’ve worked closely with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), to develop a stunning design, even though we really had to step out of our comfort zone to get there. Initially, RCU envisioned a design with elevated carriages, resembling a wagon more than a tram. Through collaboration between the customer, Madrasat Aldeera and Alstom, the design evolved into tramway system that would blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Our initial design proposals drew inspiration from AlUla's rock formations, with mirrored segments referencing the Maraya cultural venue. The colours of the final product reflect AlUla's natural environment, incorporating shades of green to represent the region's river valleys. The tram also features a lovely ‘Belvedere’ outdoor seating area at the back.
How does this iconic project align with Saudi Vision 2030?
AlUla is a breathtaking region relatively untouched by tourism, featuring desert oases, lush river valleys, and a unique concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, there is a strong focus on enhancing infrastructure and attracting visitors to the country. This is what prompted the discussions with RCU for this project, which will connect 17 strategically located stations and provide access to the region’s historical sites.
In what way does AlUla showcase Alstom’s competencies in turnkey tramway systems?
Alstom is providing the turnkey tramway system for AlUla. This includes the Citadis B battery tram, signalling, communication, depot equipment, power supply, and ten years of rolling stock maintenance. We are playing a pivotal role in this project, from system design to integration, installation, testing and commissioning. RCU is handling the track infrastructure and station construction as part of a separate lot.
How is this project an example for Alstom’s expertise in sustainability, innovation and digital technology?
AlUla represents a major step forward in terms of sustainability. It will be the world’s longest battery-powered, catenary-free tramway line. Adapting battery solutions to this arid climate was a real challenge, as extreme temperatures affect battery efficiency. In this respect, we are a pioneer, and our experience will help to secure the success of future projects.
In terms of digital technology, the AlUla tram features HealthHub™, Alstom’s condition-based and predictive maintenance solution, which has already been deployed on projects, such as the Dubai tram. Experience from several projects utilising HealthHub demonstrates its direct impact on costs by enhancing operational efficiency, extending maintenance intervals, and prolonging asset lifespan.
Given the large numbers of people expected to visit the area, why will reliability be key?
The reliability of our trains is non-negotiable, and we have robust processes in place to meet our targets. That said, the priorities of this project differ from those of a mass transit project. AlUla is much more than just a tramway. It is designed to offer a total experience, a true ‘wow factor’, transporting passengers back in time. Imagine stepping into a scene straight out of Lawrence of Arabia, where history meets cinematic grandeur, all set against the timeless beauty of the AlUla desert.
How do other cities and regions stand to benefit from this project?
Following our announcement, several cities in Saudi Arabia and beyond reached out to explore potential collaborations. Many had initially considered alternative solutions, as they were unfamiliar with rail systems. While I can’t predict the outcome of these discussions, the fact that they were curious enough to contact us is already a significant achievement!
The potential of tramways has already been demonstrated by other Alstom projects in the GCC region, such as the Lusail tram in Qatar. Spanning 24 km, it’s the largest tramway system in the Gulf.
How does the future of Alstom in Saudi Arabia look now?
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a renaissance, with cities all over the country actively seeking innovative public transport solutions to support their ambitious urban development goals. At Alstom, we are proud to have established ourselves as trusted partner to the Saudi Authorities, contributing to the development of transportation systems that align with their vision for a connected and sustainable future.
What truly sets Alstom apart is our unwavering focus on collaboration, regardless of the size or complexity of the project. We have consistently worked closely with our customers to understand their unique challenges and provide tailored solutions, whether for large-scale infrastructure projects like the Riyadh Metro or specialised initiatives like the AlUla tramway. Our presence in Saudi Arabia speaks to the strength of these partnerships and our long-term commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s vision. By leveraging our global expertise and cutting-edge technologies, we aim to continue playing a pivotal role in reshaping mobility across the region.
