Executive Summary: WOT’s Saudi Arabia Experience (2015–2022)

From 2015 to 2022, W.O. Trackworks (WOT) established a significant presence in Saudi Arabia through its partnership with Al-Ayuni Investment & Contracting Co. (AICC). Over this seven-year period, WOT delivered multiple high-profile railway projects, ranging from the 190km CTW320 heavy haul mainline, the SFTCH Hail Intermodal Yard, a purpose-built Static Flash Butt Welding (FBW) Facility, and the first large-scale installation of Rosehill rubber panel level crossings (including camel crossings) on the North–South Railway.

Strategic Positioning

• Appetite for risk with disciplined mitigation: WOT demonstrated the ability to enter a new market under challenging conditions, fast-tracking projects while ensuring risks were well controlled contractually, commercially, and operationally.

• Capacity-building: Through the CTW320 framework, WOT transferred skills, plant knowledge, and technical expertise that enabled AICC to become one of the Kingdom’s leading rail contractors. This included leading global plant and equipment logistics as well as supporting AICC in a large-scale recruitment drive in India, where more than 100 personnel — from junior technicians to senior management — were engaged to build sustainable in-country capability.

• Innovation & Adaptability: From designing and erecting a world-class FBW facility to deploying pioneering rubber crossing solutions, WOT consistently introduced and delivered international best practice to Saudi projects.

Challenges Overcome

• Extreme climatic conditions ranging from sub-zero desert winters to peak summer temperatures exceeding 50°C.

• Live operational environments, requiring precise planning and coordination with SAR. - Global logistics: WOT managed the sourcing, mobilisation, and maintenance of on-track plant and equipment from across the world, ensuring availability and performance on site.

• Large-scale recruitment: AICC, supported by WOT, undertook a major recruitment drive in India, hiring over 100 personnel ranging from junior technicians to senior management, all aimed at building AICC’s long-term rail capacity within the agreed five-year framework.

• COVID-era restrictions, which necessitated flexible logistics and a more focused workforce management to maintain continuity.

Outcomes

• Successful delivery of all contracts within agreed timeframes and budgets.

• Tangible contribution to SAR’s strategic expansion of its heavy-haul and freight corridors.

• Strong brand established for AICC, which today remains one of Saudi Arabia’s leading rail contractors. - Long-term relationships forged, with WOT retaining resources in-country that can be mobilised swiftly for future opportunities.

In summary: WOT’s Saudi Arabian experience demonstrates an ability to take on complex international rail projects under high-risk conditions, delivering them successfully while protecting client, partner, and investor interests. This proven track record highlights WOT’s strength in balancing ambition with disciplined risk management, positioning the company as a trusted delivery partner for large-scale rail infrastructure worldwide.