Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a major agreement to build a high-speed electric railway that will directly connect Riyadh and Doha. The deal, reported by Al Ekhbariya TV, is being seen as a landmark step in improving transport links and economic cooperation in the Gulf.
The project marks one of the biggest transport collaborations between the two neighbours. According to officials, the new high-speed route will be completed within six years. Once finished, it will reduce travel time between the two capitals to just two hours. Trains will run at speeds of more than 300 kilometres per hour.
The railway will stretch 785 kilometres and is expected to handle over 10 million passengers every year. Officials believe the new link will boost tourism, business travel, and overall cross-border movement between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The route will also improve domestic travel inside Saudi Arabia. It will pass through Riyadh, Hofuf, and Dammam, connecting key cities and communities. The project includes five major passenger stations designed to offer a smooth and modern travel experience using smart-transport technology.
Another key feature is the connection to two of the region’s busiest airports — King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha. This link will make travel easier for tourists, investors, and business travellers.
Authorities say the high-speed railway will create about 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across Saudi Arabia and Qatar during construction and later operations. The network is also expected to support the movement of light and medium goods, improve supply chains, and lower transport costs for businesses.
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In a joint statement, both governments said the project aligns with their long-term goals to strengthen trade, expand cooperation in the energy sector, and support regional economic growth. The new railway is viewed as a major step toward deeper connectivity between the two Gulf nations.
