Saudi Arabia and Qatar have cleared a landmark high-speed rail undertaking that guarantees to dramatically reduce journey time between Riyadh and Doha to only two hours, marking a significant leap in regional connectivity throughout the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia’s Cupboard has accredited a bilateral settlement to construct a high-speed electrical passenger railway linking the 2 capitals, based on the Saudi Press Company (SPA). The undertaking is being hailed as one of the vital bold cross-border infrastructure initiatives within the area.
The settlement was signed within the presence of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani formalised the pact, underscoring a shared dedication to deeper regional cooperation, sustainable growth, and financial integration.
Challenge at a Look
The proposed 785-kilometre railway line will join Riyadh with Doha, operating by means of key Saudi cities reminiscent of Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The community may even hyperlink main aviation hubs, together with King Salman Worldwide Airport in Riyadh and Hamad Worldwide Airport in Doha.
Trains are anticipated to function at speeds exceeding 300 kmph, slashing the present journey time between the 2 capitals to round two hours.
Financial and Strategic Influence
Officers estimate the undertaking will contribute roughly 115 billion Saudi riyals to the mixed GDP of the 2 nations, positioning it as a cornerstone of Gulf-wide infrastructure growth.
Qatar’s Ministry of Transport mentioned the railway would rank among the many most strategic tasks supporting regional progress, strengthening connectivity amongst GCC nations by means of a contemporary and built-in rail community.
Passenger Visitors and Jobs
As soon as operational, the high-speed rail hyperlink is projected to serve greater than 10 million passengers yearly. It’s anticipated to spice up tourism, facilitate enterprise journey, and permit seamless cross-border motion between the 2 nations.
The undertaking can also be set to create over 30,000 direct and oblique jobs, offering a big push to the regional financial system.
Timeline and Sustainability Objectives
Development of the Saudi Arabia–Qatar high-speed electrical rail undertaking is anticipated to take round six years. Authorities mentioned the railway will likely be developed according to the very best worldwide security and high quality requirements, utilizing superior rail and sensible engineering applied sciences.
The undertaking goals to advertise environmentally sustainable transport by decreasing carbon emissions and inspiring a shift towards environment friendly, sensible mobility options throughout the Gulf.
