Saudi Arabia and Qatar Advance High-Speed Rail Project to Boost Tourism, Connectivity and Sustainability
New 785-kilometre electric rail link between Riyadh and Doha is set to cut travel time, deepen economic ties and reduce emissions
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have taken a major step forward in regional transport and tourism development with approval of a high-speed electric rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha, a project expected to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity and support sustainable mobility.
The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, endorsed the initiative on December 23, recognising the cross-border railway as a pivotal development for the Gulf Cooperation Council region and a strategic boost to tourism and commerce.
The agreement formalises a comprehensive plan to build a 785-kilometre high-speed electric passenger railway, designed to operate at speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour and capable of serving over ten million passengers annually.
The line will link key urban and economic centres in both countries, including Riyadh, Al-Hofuf and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, and culminate in Doha, with direct connections between King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport to streamline travel between the two capitals.
The rail link is expected to cut journey times between Riyadh and Doha to approximately two hours, offering travellers a fast, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to air and road transport, supporting the expansion of multi-destination tourism across the Gulf.
Economic projections suggest the project will contribute about 115 billion Saudi riyals to the combined gross domestic product of both nations and create roughly thirty-thousand direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, underpinning broader goals of economic diversification and integration.
Analysts and officials have highlighted that beyond tourism, the electric rail will strengthen trade links, enhance logistical networks and reinforce the shared developmental visions of Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, both of which prioritise modern infrastructure, sustainable growth and enhanced regional connectivity.
The joint undertaking reinforces diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two states, aligning with long-term strategies to foster tourism growth, support green mobility and broaden opportunities for travelers, investors and communities throughout the Gulf region as high-speed rail becomes a cornerstone of future infrastructure.
The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, endorsed the initiative on December 23, recognising the cross-border railway as a pivotal development for the Gulf Cooperation Council region and a strategic boost to tourism and commerce.
The agreement formalises a comprehensive plan to build a 785-kilometre high-speed electric passenger railway, designed to operate at speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour and capable of serving over ten million passengers annually.
The line will link key urban and economic centres in both countries, including Riyadh, Al-Hofuf and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, and culminate in Doha, with direct connections between King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport to streamline travel between the two capitals.
The rail link is expected to cut journey times between Riyadh and Doha to approximately two hours, offering travellers a fast, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to air and road transport, supporting the expansion of multi-destination tourism across the Gulf.
Economic projections suggest the project will contribute about 115 billion Saudi riyals to the combined gross domestic product of both nations and create roughly thirty-thousand direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, underpinning broader goals of economic diversification and integration.
Analysts and officials have highlighted that beyond tourism, the electric rail will strengthen trade links, enhance logistical networks and reinforce the shared developmental visions of Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, both of which prioritise modern infrastructure, sustainable growth and enhanced regional connectivity.
The joint undertaking reinforces diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two states, aligning with long-term strategies to foster tourism growth, support green mobility and broaden opportunities for travelers, investors and communities throughout the Gulf region as high-speed rail becomes a cornerstone of future infrastructure.
