Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Muqbil, chairman of the International Road Federation in the US
Updated 23 November 2019
Arab News
Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Muqbil has been re-elected as the chairman of the International Road Federation (IRF) board of directors in the US.
The IRF’s executive committee and general assembly unanimously re-elected Al-Muqbil for the fifth time in a row during meetings coinciding with the IRF World Congress, which was held in Las Vegas from Nov. 18 to 22.
Al-Muqbil served as mayor of Riyadh region and held many positions in the public sector, including undersecretary and assistant undersecretary for technical affairs at the Transport Ministry.
Moreover, he was the director general of the studies and design department at the ministry, where he supervised the Riyadh ring road and the Kingdom’s expressways. In addition, he is an active member of several councils and associations as well as local, regional and international organizations.
He has won a number of awards, accolades and shields, including the international medal of appreciation from the European Organization of Roads and Spanish Road Association in 2012, and the “Best Official of Public Sector” award from the Arab Urban Development Institute. He also was chosen for the “Man of the Year” award in 2007 by the IRF. Furthermore, he received the Medal of Appreciation from the Federation of Italian Industrial Chambers in 2007.
Al-Muqbil received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering sciences from the University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran in 1978.
He stressed his keenness to continue serving the transport sector for the sake of development and growth.
International brands turn to Riyadh to expand cooperation
Capital cements role as hub at World Defense Show
Updated 6 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's capital is cementing its role as a rising hub in the global defense industry, and the World Defense Show has attracted international brands eager to showcase advanced technologies and expand partnerships in the Kingdom and beyond.
Held under the patronage of the Saudi leadership, the show — which runs until Feb. 12 — has brought together defense manufacturers, technology innovators and government representatives from around the world.
Arab News spoke to several international exhibitors who underscored the show’s growing importance as a gateway to pursue regional and global cooperation.
Among the returning participants is Passtech Machine Tools, represented by Syed Zahid, its sales manager.
Passtech Machine Tools is participating in the World Defense Show in Riyadh for the third time, says sales manager Syed Zahid. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
The company collaborates with various international brands, providing tools, machines and gauges, including advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machinery from South Korea.
For Zahid, WDS has proved to be a strategic platform, and he said: “This is our third time. We see it as very, very useful.”
From China, Jihua Group Co. Ltd. showcases advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. Peter Wang, its senior product manager, expressed optimism about expanding cooperation.
At the company’s booth, Arab News was introduced to several technologies, including what Wang described as a “true-color navigation device.”
Highlighting a wearable system, Wang said it was designed to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.
Jihua Group Co. Ltd. of China, another participant ad WDS Riyadh, showcased advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
He emphasized the diversity of visitors and the potential for cross-border cooperation, and added: “I meet different countries’ customers here. I’m very happy and I want to get some opportunities for cooperation.”
Turkiye is also represented at the event. Masttech, which is attending WDS for the first time, is showcasing its products for visitors.
Deputy General Manager Sitki Tuzun said: “We are here to show all our products. We are producing electromechanical, mechanical and pneumatic mast systems here.”
While the company does not yet have Saudi clients, Tuzun made it clear that the show was a strategic leap toward entering the market.
“We are here for connection and new business cooperation,” he said.
First-time WDS participant Masttech hopes to capture a portion of the Saudi defense market soon. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
The World Defense Show has demonstrated its increasing influence as a platform from which global brands meet regional opportunity.
Beyond static displays, the show serves as a dynamic networking arena, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and defense stakeholders under one roof.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its defense industry and invest in advanced technologies, WDS continues to facilitate partnerships, technology transfer and international collaboration — reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as a central node in the global defense ecosystem.
