JAKARTA – Saudi Arabia and Qatar are set to develop a groundbreaking high-speed electric railway linking the capitals of both nations, marking a significant milestone in Gulf regional cooperation.

Connecting Two Nations

According to reports from Aljazeera, the proposed railway will connect King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Hamad International Airport in Doha. The network is also planned to include the cities of Al Hofuf and Dammam, creating an extensive cross-border transportation system.

The high-speed trains are expected to reach speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between Riyadh and Doha to approximately two hours. For comparison, direct flights between the two cities currently take around 90 minutes.

Ambitious Timeline and Economic Impact

Project planners anticipate completion within six years. Once operational, the railway system is projected to serve 10 million passengers annually and generate 30,000 jobs across both countries, providing a substantial boost to regional employment and connectivity.

Diplomatic Significance

The cooperation agreement was formally signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during an official visit to Riyadh. This project represents one of the most substantial modern infrastructure developments between the two nations.

Strengthening Regional Ties

The railway initiative symbolizes the dramatic improvement in Saudi-Qatar relations in recent years. The two countries experienced a significant diplomatic rift beginning in June 2017, when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt severed all diplomatic and transportation ties with Qatar. The coalition accused Doha of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and pursuing closer relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional rival. Qatar firmly rejected these allegations.

Relations were fully restored in January 2021 following a summit in the desert city of Al Ula. Since then, both nations have maintained regular diplomatic contact and collaborated on various initiatives, including joint calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

This high-speed rail project demonstrates the commitment of both countries to building stronger economic and social connections in the Gulf region.

Original Article:

Kompas. (2025, December 9). Arab Saudi dan Qatar Bakal Terhubung Kereta Cepat, Proyek Direncanakan Selesai 6 Tahun. Retrieved from https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2025/12/09/200000770/arab-saudi-dan-qatar-bakal-terhubung-kereta-cepat-proyek-direncanakan