New Saudi–Qatar Train to Create 30,000 Jobs & Boost GDP

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a major agreement to construct a high-speed electric rail line connecting the two Gulf nations, marking one of the most significant joint infrastructure initiatives in the region.

The announcement came following the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Riyadh on Monday, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

According to the agreement, the rail network will link Riyadh and Doha via the Saudi cities of Dammam and Al-Hofuf, with plans to directly connect King Salman International Airport in Riyadh to Hamad International Airport in Doha.

The project, which spans 785 kilometers and is designed for speeds of up to 300 km/h, is expected to be completed within six years. More than 10 million passengers are projected to benefit from the new route annually.

Economic projections indicate the initiative will contribute approximately SR115 billion to the combined GDP of both nations and create around 30,000 jobs, reinforcing its strategic importance.

In a joint statement, both sides welcomed the agreement, describing it as “one of the biggest strategic initiatives” that aligns with the long-term national visions of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Defense and Security Cooperation

The statement also highlighted ongoing defense and security collaboration between the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and expanding their defense partnership, praising the current level of coordination and agreeing to further enhance joint efforts to support regional security and stability.