Saudi Arabia and Qatar have cleared a landmark high-speed rail project that promises to dramatically cut travel time between Riyadh and Doha to just two hours, marking a major leap in regional connectivity across the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved a bilateral agreement to build a high-speed electric passenger railway linking the two capitals, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The project is being hailed as one of the most ambitious cross-border infrastructure initiatives in the region.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani formalised the pact, underscoring a shared commitment to deeper regional cooperation, sustainable development, and economic integration.

Project at a Glance

The proposed 785-kilometre railway line will connect Riyadh with Doha, running through key Saudi cities such as Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The network will also link major aviation hubs, including King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Trains are expected to operate at speeds exceeding 300 kmph, slashing the current travel time between the two capitals to around two hours.

Economic and Strategic Impact

Officials estimate the project will contribute approximately 115 billion Saudi riyals to the combined GDP of the two countries, positioning it as a cornerstone of Gulf-wide infrastructure development.

Qatar’s Ministry of Transport said the railway would rank among the most strategic projects supporting regional growth, strengthening connectivity among GCC countries through a modern and integrated rail network.

Passenger Traffic and Jobs

Once operational, the high-speed rail link is projected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually. It is expected to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and allow seamless cross-border movement between the two nations.

The project is also set to create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant push to the regional economy.

Timeline and Sustainability Goals

Construction of the Saudi Arabia–Qatar high-speed electric rail project is expected to take around six years. Authorities said the railway will be developed in line with the highest international safety and quality standards, using advanced rail and smart engineering technologies.

The project aims to promote environmentally sustainable transport by reducing carbon emissions and encouraging a shift toward efficient, smart mobility solutions across the Gulf.