Focus on bridging communities through mobility solutions in the Middle East
AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company, and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) recently convened for the third lecture in their Beyond Engineering Lecture Series yesterday, continuing their collaboration to advance knowledge sharing between industry and academia.
As the region urbanizes at speed, city leaders must build infrastructure that is resilient and inclusive while addressing the climate impact of transport, which accounts for about 20 percent of the region’s carbon dioxide emissions.
Industry experts acknowledge that public transport is the backbone of inclusive growth when it is supported by safe and accessible first and last mile connections, clear wayfinding, and an experience that prioritizes reliability and affordability alongside capacity.
Governance frameworks
The panellists affirmed that innovation could scale only when the enabling environment, like governance frameworks that are clear, data that is handled transparently and securely, and regulatory standards that adapt international best practice to local realities, is strong.
Collaboration was identified as the cornerstone of progress. Representatives from Parsons, AECOM, WSP and Omrania, part of EGIS Group, joined AtkinsRéalis to align on practical next steps with public authorities and the ICE.
“Solving tomorrow’s mobility challenges requires a coalition that reaches across companies, sectors and disciplines. At AtkinsRéalis, we work with clients, partners and peers such as Parsons, AECOM, WSP and Omrania, along with the Institution of Civil Engineers, to match strong public transport foundations with open data, and delivery models that value social outcomes,” explained Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis.
Aligning planning
“Bridging communities through mobility means aligning planning, delivery and operations around human outcomes. When we get the basics right early, we see reliable, affordable journeys, stronger access to jobs and services, and lasting gains for residents and businesses,” commented Nicola Henderson‑Reid, Senior Director and Head of Project and Programme Services, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis.
The Beyond Engineering Lecture Series, created by AtkinsRéalis and the ICE, focuses on digitization, artificial intelligence, decarbonization and sustainability to advance resilient infrastructure across the built environment, transportation and energy sectors.
