Under the agreement, Alstom will provide technical assistance, spare parts and training programmes for the Saudi Railway Company (SAR).

Trains will be monitored in real-time through the company’s HealthHub system in an effort to optimise the availability of diesel locomotives.

Mohamed Khalil, Alstom’s managing director in the Middle East, said: “By empowering SAR with cutting-edge technologies and knowledge transfer, we are fostering a competitive and sustainable sector while enriching local talent and expertise within the kingdom’s railway industry.

“This collaboration will provide SAR engineers and technicians with invaluable hands-on experience.”

Saudi Arabia’s east–west railway connects the Gulf ports of Dammam and Jubail with Riyadh’s dry port.