Well, I am off to Saudi Arabia this weekend. 

I've never been to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) before, the closest I have been was a stopover at Bahrain en route to Hong Kong, 25+ years ago. 

I'll be a senior consultant as part of the Arcadis team that is supporting the development of the Saudi Railways Commission. My role in the SRC will be Performance & Reporting and Accident Investigation expert. I have a contract for 1 year.

There has been a freight rail operation in the KSA since the 1950s, but passenger services are a much more recent development. There are several railways there now, some up and running, others under construction and more in the planning stages.

I'll try to keep this blog as informative and relevant as possible. However you will understand that I won't be able to say too much about the detail of the work I am doing, client confidentiality is important. And, in the KSA there are not the same freedoms of movement, dress, belief and speech that we take for granted in the UK. 

So, a feeling of excitement and anticipation in what the challenges ahead will bring. But sadness in leaving the family at home, I will miss them all greatly. 

I have bought suitable lightweight workwear - although indoors will be airconditioned, outside temperatures reach 50+ deg C in summer. Packing lists are nearly finalised. Just need to get more sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.

Alastair