As Road User Charging Conference Middle East & Africa (MEA) 2025 approaches, CiTTi Magazine profiles the experts confirmed to speak at the internationally renowned event.
Taking place on 28-29 May in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the annual Road User Charging Conference MEA will examine the latest advancements in user-financed transport infrastructure.
This prestigious two-day conference brings together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to share best practices in the planning, financing, implementation and operation of tolling, road usage charging and mobility pricing schemes across highways, urban roads and cross-border corridors.
Among the confirmed speakers is Jeyhun Hasanov, senior advisor for the minister’s executive office at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport Azerbaijan.
Hasanov holds a master’s in quantitative finance from the University of Bologna and a bachelor’s in business administration from ADA Business School.
He has a diverse background in financial institution audits, life insurance actuarial work, and portfolio management at the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), bringing a deep financial and strategic expertise.
In his current role, he contributes to high-level decision-making and policy implementation, offering valuable insights to support the ministry’s initiatives.
Hasanov’s presentation will highlight Azerbaijan’s journey in introducing toll roads—an emerging focus within the country’s transport sector.
The session will focus on how his department has learnt from implementation challenges and how it is actuating these lessons in its early-stage projects.
It will also provide practical takeaways to guide the planning and execution of future toll road initiatives in Azerbaijan, contributing to the broader development of modern and sustainable transport infrastructure.
Name: Jeyhun Hasanov
Job Role: Senior advisor for Minister’s Executive Office
Organisation: Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation Azerbaijan
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The best part of my job is having the opportunity to see the country’s evolving transport and ICT sectors holistically—and being directly involved in shaping that transformation. It’s rewarding to contribute to initiatives that drive national development and long-term impact.
What is the most pressing challenge for user-financed transportation in 2025?
The biggest challenge is balancing financial sustainability with public acceptance, as implementing user-financed models like tolls or fees often faces resistance without clear value delivery. Ensuring transparency, equity, and efficient service delivery is critical to building trust and long-term viability.
What is your best piece of advice for those implementing user-financed transport schemes?
Start with a clear, data-driven understanding of user needs and willingness to pay, and ensure the benefits—such as improved quality, safety, and efficiency—are tangible and well-communicated. Strong stakeholder engagement and transparent governance are essential for gaining public trust and long-term support.
Does legislation support or hinder innovation in this sector?
Legislation can both help and hinder development in the sector, depending on how it is designed and implemented. Well-crafted laws provide the necessary framework for innovation, ensure fairness, and protect public interests, but overly restrictive or outdated regulations can slow progress, create uncertainty, and limit the flexibility needed to adapt to new technologies and market dynamics.
How will user-financed transportation schemes evolve by 2030?
By 2030, the business of user-financed transportation will likely be more integrated with advanced technologies such as smart tolling systems, dynamic pricing models, and seamless digital payment solutions. Public-private partnerships will play a larger role, and the focus will shift towards offering sustainable, user-friendly, and data-driven transportation networks that maximise efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
Why are you looking forward to speaking at Road User Charging Conference MEA 2025?
It presents a unique opportunity to share Azerbaijan’s experiences and lessons learned in implementing user-financed transportation solutions. It’s also a chance to engage with experts from diverse regions, exchange ideas, and collaborate on strategies to tackle common challenges in the evolving transport landscape.
Discover the key trends and challenges shaping the future of user-financed transportation –spanning tolling, pricing and road usage charging – at Akabo Media’s global Road User Charging Conference series. Join senior decision-makers from around the world as they tackle the issues defining the industry in Brussels (March 2025), Abu Dhabi (May 2025), Miami (September 2025), and Singapore (October 2025). Gain invaluable insights, share innovative ideas and network with global leaders driving the transformation of transportation systems. Click here to learn more and secure your place!
