The €197 Billion Gulf Railway project to connect six Middle Eastern nations by 2030

Riyad, Saudi Arabia (Urban Transport News): In a landmark development for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway project, the Sultanate of Oman recently played host to the 25th meeting of GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications. This gathering marked a significant stride forward in fostering regional connectivity, with several pivotal decisions being reached. Chief among these decisions was the setting of December 2030 as the target operational launch date for the ambitious GCC railway, spanning a staggering 2,177 kilometers across member states.

With an estimated cost of 197 billion Euros, this monumental initiative is poised to become the second-largest construction project globally, following NEOM. The distribution of the railway network across GCC countries is as follows: Saudi Arabia will accommodate 695 kilometers, the UAE 684 kilometers, Oman 306 kilometers, Bahrain 64 kilometers, Kuwait 145 kilometers, and Qatar 283 kilometers.

The assembly also ratified the 2024 budget for the GCC Railway Authority, signifying a concrete step towards the project's realization. Furthermore, three crucial bylaws/regulations received unanimous approval: "The GCC administrative regulation," "The financial and accounting regulation," and "The procurement and storage regulation" for the Gulf Railways Authority.

Engineer Said Hamoud Al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, emphasized the pivotal role of the transport and communications sector in fostering economic growth and sustainable development. He highlighted its significance in linking production and consumption hubs, facilitating seamless movement of people, materials, and goods, and optimizing the utilization of natural resources.

Moreover, the assembly advocated for the implementation of a unified regulatory framework for ballast water testing on ships at GCC ports, demonstrating a collective commitment to enhancing maritime operational standards. This initiative forms part of a broader set of regulatory measures aimed at fortifying the region's transport and communication sectors.

As the Gulf Railway Project gains momentum, it promises to revolutionize connectivity across the Middle East, fostering economic prosperity and facilitating seamless movement of goods and people within the region.