Saudi Arabia and Qatar ink high-speed rail deal advancing Gulf integration

Saudi Arabia and Qatar signed a deal Monday to build a railway connecting the two countries, in the latest sign of Gulf efforts to develop their train infrastructure. 

Saudi and Qatari transportation ministers Saleh Al-Jasser and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, respectively, inked an agreement to build a 785-kilometer (490-mile) electric railway connecting the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with the Qatari capital, Doha. The railroad will extend to the airports in both cities as well as to the eastern Saudi cities of al-Hofuf and Dammam. The trains will travel at speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour (185 miles per hour), the official Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presided over the signing during the latter’s visit to Riyadh. 

A joint statement from the two countries Monday said the railway project would boost trade and tourism ties. Trade between Saudi Arabia and Qatar exceeded $930 million in 2024, a 634% increase from 2021.