In a landmark agreement, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a deal to build a high-speed electric train connecting the two countries. The announcement came during the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Riyadh, led by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The new train line will link Riyadh to Doha, passing through key Saudi cities including Dammam and al-Hofuf. The project is also set to connect King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia with Hamad International Airport in Qatar, facilitating seamless travel between the two nations.
Strategic and Economic Impact
The high-speed rail project spans 785 kilometers and will operate at speeds of up to 300 km/h, benefiting over 10 million passengers once operational. Expected to be completed within the next six years, the initiative is projected to contribute SR115 billion to the combined GDP of both countries and generate around 30,000 new jobs, offering a significant boost to the regional economy.
Both governments described the project as “one of the biggest strategic initiatives” aligned with their national visions, emphasizing its importance in strengthening regional connectivity, trade, and mobility.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Beyond economic and transportation benefits, the joint statement also highlighted the countries’ commitment to defense and security cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirmed their determination to enhance security partnerships, aiming to ensure stability across the Gulf region.
This agreement marks a major step in deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between the two Gulf neighbors, signaling a new era of cooperation.
