Riyadh to Doha in two hours: Gulf Leaders approve SAR115bn rail project

Image credit: Saudi Press Agency

Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have jointly witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement to develop a high-speed electric passenger railway connecting the two Gulf nations. The move underscores the deep-rooted fraternal ties and expanding economic cooperation between Riyadh and Doha.

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The agreement, signed by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, comes under the umbrella of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the rail initiative marks a strategic step toward bolstering developmental integration, sustainable growth, and broader regional prosperity.

Regional connectivity and strategic infrastructure

Spanning 785 kilometres, the high-speed line will link the capitals of Riyadh and Doha, passing through key hubs such as Hofuf and Dammam. It will also directly connect to King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha, positioning the route as a central transport corridor for business travellers, tourists, and regional commuters.

Designed for speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour, the rail service is expected to cut travel time between the two capitals to roughly two hours. Officials say the project will significantly enhance passenger mobility, support commercial flows, stimulate tourism, and strengthen overall quality of life in both countries.

Economic impact and sustainability goals

Scheduled for completion within six years, the project will deploy advanced rail technologies and smart engineering systems to meet global benchmarks for safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Economic models project an impact of nearly SAR115bn on the combined GDPs of Saudi Arabia and Qatar once the line becomes fully operational.

The railway is expected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually and generate over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for Gulf-wide development. Officials also highlight the line’s environmental benefits, noting its potential to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the region’s transition toward cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions. As one of the most strategic transportation initiatives in the Gulf Cooperation Council, the project is set to deepen regional integration and define the next era of sustainable transport across the region.