Saudi Arabia and Qatar sign agreement for Riyadh–Doha high-speed rail project

SPA

Riyadh, Dec. 9 (SABN) – His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of an agreement to implement a high-speed electric passenger railway project connecting Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani within the framework of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

According to the announcement, the rail line will span 785 kilometers between Riyadh and Doha, passing through Hofuf and Dammam and linking King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport. The electric train is expected to exceed speeds of 300 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to about two hours.

Officials said the project is scheduled for completion within six years and will use advanced rail technologies and engineering systems designed to meet international safety and quality standards.

Economic projections estimate a combined GDP impact of nearly SAR115 billion for both countries. The line is expected to serve over 10 million passengers annually and create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The project also aims to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable mobility as part of wider regional integration efforts among Gulf Cooperation Council states.