Doha: In a pivotal move for regional integration, the Qatari Cabinet, chaired by H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, has approved the draft general agreement to connect the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through a unified railway project.

The decision was made during the Cabinet’s regular session at the Amiri Diwan, marking a significant milestone in the Gulf’s ambitious infrastructure agenda.

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A Vision for Regional Connectivity

The approved agreement paves the way for the long-anticipated GCC Railway, a transformative project designed to link all six GCC member states—Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman—via a modern rail network. The railway will stretch approximately 2,117 kilometers, making it one of the most extensive cross-border infrastructure projects in the region.

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Route Overview

• Northern Terminus: Kuwait City
• Saudi Arabia: The line will proceed to Dammam, a major transport hub.
• Bahrain & Qatar: Two maritime bridges will branch from Dammam, connecting to Manama (Bahrain) and Doha (Qatar).
• United Arab Emirates: The route continues through Abu Dhabi, integrating with the UAE’s expanding rail system.
• Southern Terminus: Muscat, Oman

Project Highlights

• Total Length: 2,117 km
• Passenger Train Speed: Up to 220 km/h
• Freight Train Speed: Up to 120 km/h
• Estimated Investment: $15.4 billion
• Target Completion: December 2030

Strategic and Economic Impact

The GCC Railway is expected to:

• Reduce transportation time and costs for both passengers and freight.
• Strengthen trade flows and attract foreign investment by improving logistics.
• Enhance connectivity between major Gulf ports and global supply chains.
• Promote regional tourism and facilitate easier cross-border mobility.
• Support sustainable development by reducing reliance on road transport and lowering carbon emissions.

A Unified Gulf Vision

The railway project is widely regarded as a flagship initiative for regional integration and economic modernization. By linking the Gulf’s major cities and ports, the network aims to foster a new era of cooperation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness for the GCC states.

Next Steps

With the Cabinet’s approval, Qatar joins its Gulf neighbors in advancing the technical, financial, and regulatory frameworks necessary for the railway’s construction. Each member state is responsible for developing its segment of the network, with coordination overseen by the GCC’s transport ministers.

This historic agreement signals a new chapter in Gulf connectivity, promising to reshape the region’s economic landscape and bring the vision of a unified, modern Gulf closer to reality.

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