Saudi Arabia, Qatar agree on high-speed rail link
785-km line to connect Riyadh and Doha airports, carry 10 million passengers annually and create 30,000 jobs
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) – Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a landmark agreement to construct a 785-kilometer high-speed railway connecting Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport with Doha’s Hamad International Airport, cutting travel time between the two capitals to around two hours.
The deal was finalized during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani under the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council framework.
The line, featuring trains capable of speeds above 300 kph, is slated for completion within six years and is projected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually.
A joint statement said the project will generate 30,000 jobs across both countries, while boosting trade, tourism, and long-term economic integration. Intermediate stops will include Hofuf and Dammam.
The rail agreement was signed at Al-Yamamah Palace by Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Transport Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani, who described it as a strategic investment in sustainable development and regional connectivity.
Officials said the line will incorporate advanced smart-engineering systems designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance efficiency across the Gulf transport network.
The council meeting also underscored deepening economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching $930.3 million in 2024 — a 634 percent increase since 2021, excluding re-exports.
Sheikh Tamim attended the talks alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and senior Qatari officials.
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