When considering the Middle East’s landmark transport and logistics projects of the past 60 years, Dubai repeatedly springs to mind.

From the dredging of the Creek in the 1960s and the opening of Jebel Ali port in 1979 through to the launch of road tolls in 2007, the inauguration of its first metro line in 2009 and

Dubai International recently being named one of the world’s busiest airports, the emirate has shown boundless ambition in evolving its transportation sector. Its integrated and well-developed transport infrastructure is what makes Dubai the business hub it is today.

The other significant name is Saudi Arabia. Jeddah Islamic Seaport is the largest and busiest in the region and predates Jebel Ali port. The kingdom was also the first GCC state to build a dedicated minerals railway, while its hajj terminal, opened at King Addulaziz International in 1981, is one of the largest airport terminals in the world.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Cairo Metro in 1987. The project has been a constant in MEED’s modern history, with new phases tendered and constructed in each decade. With three further lines planned, it will remain an important project to track in the years ahead.