Qatar approves Saudi Rail Link Agreement, Accelerating Gulf Railway Vision 2030

Doha, Qatar (Urban Transport News): The vision for a unified Gulf transportation network has gained strong momentum as the Qatar Cabinet has formally approved the procedures required for ratifying the draft rail link agreement with Saudi Arabia. The decision, taken on 8 October 2025, marks a major milestone toward the realization of the long-envisioned Gulf Railway project, a transformative initiative designed to connect all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Qatar’s formal approval underscores the collective commitment of GCC nations to establish a seamless regional rail corridor, linking Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman.
The project’s foundation was laid in December 2021, when the GCC Supreme Council endorsed the creation of the GCC Railways Authority, the regional body responsible for the planning, coordination, and operation of the transnational network.

The decision marks a turning point in regional cooperation, signaling that Gulf countries are moving from policy alignment to project execution.

The Gulf Railway is envisioned as a 2,117-km rail network connecting all GCC states. Designed for both freight and passenger services, the system will provide high-speed, cross-border mobility that integrates ports, logistics hubs, industrial zones, and major cities.

Key expected benefits include:

• Boosting Intra-GCC Trade: The network will streamline freight logistics, enabling cost-effective, large-volume transport of goods across borders.
• Enhancing Tourism and Mobility: The railway will allow residents and tourists to travel between Gulf countries with greater convenience and reduced travel times.
• Strengthening Regional Competitiveness: By improving supply chain efficiency, the Gulf Railway will reinforce the GCC’s position as a global logistics powerhouse.

The project is a central component of the GCC’s Vision 2030 roadmap, aligning with each nation’s goal of economic diversification beyond oil.

The target completion year for the Gulf Railway has been set for 2030, with member states expected to build and operate their respective national segments in coordination with the GCC Railways Authority.

Qatar’s latest step clears the way for bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia, which plays a pivotal role as a geographical and logistical anchor of the project. With both nations aligned, the broader regional framework for seamless rail integration is expected to accelerate.

“Qatar’s ratification of the Gulf Railway link agreement with Saudi Arabia is more than a transport milestone—it’s a defining moment in regional economic cooperation,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group. “This project will reshape the Gulf’s logistics and mobility landscape, linking economies, ports, and people across borders. It symbolizes the region’s shared vision for sustainable, high-speed, and future-ready connectivity.”

Once completed, the Gulf Railway will become a backbone of the region’s non-oil economic diversification, enabling new trade routes, supporting tourism, and facilitating the free movement of goods and people.
It is also expected to play a critical role in decarbonizing transport, as part of the GCC’s collective strategy to meet sustainability targets and transition toward a green economy.

Qatar’s approval represents a clear vote of confidence in this shared future — one that will not only connect the Gulf but also position it as a central transport and logistics hub between Asia, Africa, and Europe.