Thales wins Metro maintenance deal

expat network

Thales wins Metro maintenance deal

French-based Thales, a key player in the Middle Eastern transportation network, has signed a five-year service level agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and UK-based Serco to provide maintenance support services for Dubai Metro.

The world’s longest driverless metro network in operation, Dubai Metro is being operated by Serco Company.

In line with its lifetime responsibility for safety, integration and interoperability, but also its willingness to reinforce long-term commitment to its customers in the region, Thales is strengthening its local skills and expertise based in Dubai.

As per the contract, the Thales team will deliver efficient, competitive and sustainable services while ensuring the highest levels of passenger safety and comfort, said a statement from the French group.

Local experts will be supported by Thales’s worldwide expertise when resolving critical issues. Its service solutions include remote and on-site support for maintenance ensuring system knowledge and recovery, the statement added.

Since 2009, Thales has provided Dubai’s metro network with its complete transportation package including signaling, supervision and telecommunications equipment besides the security and ticketing systems.

By working with regional industrial powerhouses regarding urban transport and main lines, Thales is further cementing its presence in the region.

In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Thales delivered an integrated signaling and supervision solution for the Makkah metro and is deploying an ETCS Level 2 system on the North-South Railway line that will connect capital Riyadh with the North.

Source: TradeArabia News

Link: http://tinyurl.com/ks76hua

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.