RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—In a landmark moment for Gulf cooperation, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have finalized an agreement to construct a high-speed rail network linking their respective capitals, Riyadh and Doha. This unprecedented deal is hailed as a major outcome of the improved relations between the two powerful Gulf nations in recent years.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The project is set to revolutionize travel between the two cities, ushering in a new era of regional commerce, tourism, and mobility.
Rapid Transit and Job Creation
The high-speed line will operate at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour, dramatically reducing the travel time between Riyadh and Doha to just two hours. The planned route will directly connect Riyadh’s King Salman Airport with Doha’s Hamad Airport.
Crucially, the scope of the project extends beyond the two capitals, as the Saudi cities of Al Uyuf and Dammam will also be integrated into this modern rail network. The massive infrastructure undertaking is expected to be completed within six years, accommodating an estimated 10 million passengers annually and generating approximately 30,000 new jobs across both countries. The agreement signals a strong joint commitment to the economic and social development of the region.
