Saudi Arabia and Qatar have taken a major step toward strengthening regional connectivity by signing a transformative agreement to build a high-speed rail link between Riyadh and Doha. The deal was finalized during the Saudi–Qatari Coordination Council meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatari Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani formalized the partnership.
The project will connect King Salman International Airport in Riyadh to Hamad International Airport in Doha, cutting travel time between the two capitals to just two hours. Stretching 785 kilometers, the line will support trains traveling faster than 300 km/h and include key stops in Hofuf and Dammam. Officials expect it to serve more than 10 million passengers each year.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond smoother mobility, the Saudi-Qatar high-speed rail promises substantial economic benefits. The initiative is projected to contribute approximately SR115 billion upon operationalization. It will also generate approximately 30,000 jobs across both countries, reinforcing long-term development and supporting regional labor markets.
Leaders emphasized the project’s strategic importance, noting its role in promoting “developmental integration and sustainable development.” The rail link is expected to strengthen cooperation in trade, tourism, logistics, and investment.
Strengthening Regional Integration
The agreement, signed during the eighth session of the Saudi–Qatari Coordination Council, reflects a broader vision of deepening bilateral ties. Both nations view the Saudi-Qatar high-speed rail as a milestone that aligns with their modernization agendas and long-term transportation strategies.
With millions of passengers expected each year, the rail line is poised to reshape travel patterns across the Gulf. It offers a practical alternative to air travel. Providing faster, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly mobility between Riyadh and Doha.
A New Era for Gulf Travel
As planning and construction progress, anticipation continues to build around the high-speed rail and its potential to transform regional connectivity. This project represents more than a transportation upgrade. It is a blueprint for future Gulf collaboration and sustainable growth.
By linking two major capitals with state-of-the-art rail technology, the high-speed rail stands out as one of the most impactful infrastructure ventures. It is set to enhance economic development, improve travel convenience, and bring communities across the Gulf closer than ever.
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