Regional Assemble for Middle East (RAME)
The Regional Assembly for Middle East (RAME) was the first Regional Assembly which was established within UIC after the restructuring of UIC. According to UIC Statutes, 6 UIC Regions (including Middle East) will hold powers and responsibilities to determine their regional strategy, their action plans, and regional budget and to approve projects on specific regional issues.
The Regional Assemblies shall comprise representatives of all UIC Members of that region. RAME members are the railway administrations of Turkey (TCDD), Afghanistan (ARA), Iran (RAI), Saudi Arabia (SRO), Jordan (ARC), Syria (CFS), Iraq (IRR), Jordan Hejaz Railways (JHR), Syrian Hejaz Railways (SHR), Qatar Railways Company (QRC), United Arab Emirates (FTA), Oman Rail, Rail Pardaz Seir Co. from Iran, Ma'an Development Area (MDA) from Jordan, and TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş. from Turkey.
The Regional Assembly for Middle East (RAME) is the highest and supreme decision making body with regard to all regional issues. Its meetings are convened twice annually and hosted by its members. So far 20 meetings have been held since its establishment. The first Meeting of Middle East Regional Assembly was held in Paris on December 6, 2006, and the second meeting on 29-30 May, 2007 in Isfahan, Iran. The last meeting (23rd) was held in Aqaba, Jordan on July 6, 2019.
The activities of RAME which are mostly defined and ratified in terms of its annual Action Plans can range from technical and operational issues to commercial and business oriented activities. Safeties, security, infrastructure maintenance, high-speed and so on are considered to be the technical activities on issues relevant to the Middle-East-Railways which are launched in the shape of technical seminars and workshops with technical support of UIC.
The Middle East “Vision 2025 Document” which is a start-up document concerning UIC’s future strategies for the Middle East Railways and also framework for further work in Middle East has been prepared by UIC in cooperation with the RAME members. The overall objective is to promote a competitive and seamless, rail transport system in the Middle East, serving the populations welfare, economic growth and sustainable development.