Riyadh: Saudi Arabia and Qatar have announced a high speed electric railway that will connect Riyadh and Doha in two hours. The project reflects a strong phase of Gulf cooperation and aims to reshape travel, trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Leaders signed the agreement in Riyadh during the Saudi Qatari Coordination Council meetings. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were present at the ceremony. Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al Jasser and Qatari Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani signed the deal.
The railway will span 785 kilometers. It will connect major cities including Al Hofuf and Dammam. It will link King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Hamad International Airport in Doha. Trains will run at speeds above 300 kilometers per hour. Officials expect the line to serve more than 10 million passengers each year. The route is expected to improve mobility and support tourism and business travel.
The project is expected to create more than 30000 jobs. Officials said it will add about 115 billion riyals to the combined GDP of the two countries. They highlighted its role in strengthening ties across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 focus on economic diversification and modern infrastructure.
Trade between the two countries reached 930.3 million dollars in 2024. This marks a rise of 634 percent since 2021. Leaders said the rail link will help address logistical challenges and encourage investment in key sectors. The project will use advanced technologies and follow global safety standards. It will support lower emissions through an electric system. Officials said the railway will set a new model for sustainable regional transport.
