Saudi Arabia and Qatar sign agreement to develop high-speed rail link between Riyadh and Doha

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to build a high-speed rail link connecting Riyadh and Doha, aiming to improve regional mobility and fast travel between the two capitals.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to construct a high-speed rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha. The signing took place on December 8, marking a major milestone in strengthening regional connectivity between the two Gulf nations. A direct flight between the two capitals currently takes around 90 minutes, highlighting the potential competitive advantage of the new rail link.

According to the announcement, the project is expected to be completed within six years. Once operational, it is projected to serve 10 million passengers annually and generate approximately 30,000 jobs across both countries. Officials described the project as one of the most significant collaborations between the two Arab nations.

The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani during the Emir’s visit to Riyadh.

Currently, air travel between the two capitals takes about 90 minutes. A high-speed rail alternative could reshape regional mobility patterns by offering competitive travel times, greater frequency, and lower carbon intensity. The initiative aligns with broader Gulf efforts to diversify transport infrastructure and reduce reliance on aviation for short- to medium-haul connectivity.

For construction firms, rolling stock manufacturers, infrastructure investors, and logistics operators, the corridor presents long-term commercial opportunities. Strategically, the project reinforces economic cooperation between two of the Gulf’s largest economies and may serve as a foundation for expanded cross-border rail integration within the wider GCC transport network.