New Saudi–Qatar High-Speed Rail Set to Create 30,000 Jobs

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a major agreement to construct a high-speed electric railway connecting the two Gulf nations, marking a significant step in regional transport integration.

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

According to officials, the new rail line will link Riyadh and Doha, passing through the Saudi cities of Dammam and Al-Hofuf. The project will also establish a direct connection between King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha, enhancing both passenger travel and economic cooperation.

Spanning 785 kilometers and designed for speeds of up to 300 km/h, the high-speed network is expected to serve more than 10 million passengers. The project is projected to contribute approximately SR115 billion to the combined GDP of both countries and generate around 30,000 new jobs. Completion is expected within six years.

In a joint statement, Saudi Arabia and Qatar praised the agreement as “one of the biggest strategic initiatives” supporting their national development visions. Both sides emphasized that the railway will boost economic ties, transportation efficiency, and long-term regional collaboration.

Defense and Security Coordination Strengthened

The joint statement also highlighted deepening defense and security cooperation. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding their defense partnership and praised the strong level of coordination already in place.

They agreed to continue enhancing collaboration in a manner that supports regional security, stability, and shared strategic interests.