Historic High-Speed Rail Pact: Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Link Riyadh and Doha

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a formal agreement to build a high-speed electric passenger railway connecting their capitals — a landmark infrastructure project and a visible sign of warming ties between the two Gulf states.

Project Details

Official Saudi media said the planned line will link Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport with Doha’s Hamad International Airport, with additional stops in the Saudi cities of Al-Hofuf and Dammam. Trains are expected to run at speeds exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph), cutting journey time between the two capitals to roughly two hours.

For comparison, a direct flight between Riyadh and Doha typically takes about 90 minutes, not including check-in and transfer times.

Timeline, Capacity and Economic Impact

Officials expect the project to be completed within six years. The railway is projected to serve about 10 million passengers annually and to create roughly 30,000 jobs across both countries during construction and early operation, the statement said.

Political Significance

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during the Emir’s visit. Observers describe the rail project as one of the most important modern infrastructure collaborations between the two countries and a tangible symbol of the rapid improvement in relations since the 2017 diplomatic rift.

Background

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar amid accusations that Doha supported groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood and pursued closer relations with Iran — allegations Qatar denied. Relations were fully restored in January 2021 following the AlUla summit in Saudi Arabia, and high-level visits and cooperation have increased since then.

Regional Context

Since reconciliation, the two countries have coordinated on diplomatic initiatives, including calls for ceasefires in the Israel–Gaza conflict. The announcement comes after reports of strikes in Qatar in September that killed at least six people and injured others; Qatari and international outlets reported fatalities among Hamas members, Qatari security personnel and civilians, though details and responsibility for the incident have been disputed.

Why it matters: Beyond transport, the rail link could deepen economic integration, boost tourism and trade across the Gulf, and serve as a durable symbol of improved diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Doha.