Riyadh and Doha have taken a major step toward deepening regional connectivity with the signing of a new agreement to construct a high-speed rail line linking the capitals of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Announced Monday during the visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Riyadh, the deal was formalized in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and marks one of the most significant joint infrastructure initiatives between the two states since the restoration of diplomatic ties in 2021.
According to an official Saudi statement, the project will establish a “high-speed electric passenger railway” running between Riyadh and Doha, with stops planned in the key Saudi cities of Al-Hofuf and Dammam.
Designed to exceed speeds of 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph), the new line is expected to cut travel time between the two capitals to roughly two hours. While a direct flight currently takes about 90 minutes, the rail link is anticipated to offer a convenient and environmentally efficient alternative for millions of passengers.
The project is slated for completion within six years and aims to accommodate approximately 10 million passengers annually. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance integration within the Gulf region through modern, sustainable transport infrastructure.
The agreement also reflects the rapid and notable improvement in relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar following a period of severe diplomatic rift.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt, severed all diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar. The dispute was formally resolved in January 2021 at the AlUla summit in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for restored cooperation.
Since then, leaders from both countries have met frequently, coordinating on diplomatic matters including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Riyadh has also publicly supported Doha during periods of heightened regional tension, underscoring a steadily strengthening partnership.
