Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a deal to build a high-speed electric railway connecting Riyadh and Doha in two hours, strengthening regional connectivity and trade.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Qatar have entered a landmark agreement to construct a high-speed electric railway linking their capitals, Riyadh and Doha, in a strategic move to improve Gulf transport connectivity and economic cooperation. The 785-kilometre railway is expected to be completed within six years and will feature cutting-edge electric trains travelling at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour.
The agreement was signed during the recent official visit of Qatar’s Emir to Riyadh and includes provisions for shared investment and technical development. Once operational, the high-speed rail is expected to cut the current travel time between the two capitals from several hours by road to just two hours by train. The service will pass through key cities including Al-Ahsa and Dammam, connecting major population centres and economic zones.
Officials from both nations have praised the agreement as a milestone in Gulf integration and as part of broader efforts to meet their national Vision 2030 objectives. This Saudi Qatar high-speed rail project will play a vital role in increasing tourism, facilitating cross-border trade, and reducing dependence on air and car travel, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability goals.
Beyond infrastructure, the deal is seen as a sign of strengthening bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, especially following the restoration of diplomatic relations in 2021. It marks a step forward in realising the long-discussed Gulf Railway, a regional initiative to interlink GCC countries through an integrated rail network.
The railway’s development will align with international sustainability standards, using electric trains to reduce emissions and modernise transportation. It is anticipated to serve more than 10 million passengers annually once fully operational.
