In a historic move to strengthen ties, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a formal agreement to construct a high-speed rail connecting their capitals, Riyadh and Doha. The “high-speed electric passenger railway” will link King Salman International Airport in Riyadh to Hamad International Airport in Doha. The project, set to be completed in six years, aims to serve 10 million passengers annually, creating 30,000 jobs across both countries.
The rail system will reach speeds of over 300 km/h (186 mph), reducing travel time to around two hours between the two cities. This new infrastructure project marks the first of its kind between the two nations, which were previously embroiled in diplomatic tensions. The Saudi cities of Al-Hofuf and Dammam will also be included in the network, further enhancing connectivity across the region.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This major development comes after the restoration of diplomatic relations between the countries in 2021, following years of political discord. The rail project is seen as a symbol of the ongoing rapprochement between the Gulf states.
