His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the signing of the implementation agreement for a high-speed electric passenger railway linking Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The signing took place in Riyadh under the framework of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Minister of Transport of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani. Officials described the step as part of joint efforts to strengthen cooperation, deepen developmental integration and support long-term sustainable development between the two countries.
According to the project outline, the high-speed line extends 785 kilometers between Riyadh and Doha, passing through Hofuf and Dammam and connecting both King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport. The planned service will exceed 300 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to roughly two hours. The line is positioned to support regional mobility, expand trade and tourism flows and contribute to improved quality of life.
The project is scheduled for completion within six years and will incorporate updated railway systems and smart engineering tools to maintain high levels of safety and operational efficiency. Projections indicate an economic contribution approaching SAR115 billion to the GDP of both countries, with an expected annual ridership of more than 10 million passengers and employment creation exceeding 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Environmental outcomes form a core part of the plan, with the railway expected to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner transport options across the region. The line is presented as one of the major strategic transport initiatives supporting development, connectivity and integration among GCC member states.