Qatar Cabinet clears GCC railway plan to boost regional connectivity

  • 08/07/2025

Doha has given the green light to a draft agreement for building a railway line that will link the six GCC member states, marking a major milestone for regional integration. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.

The ambitious GCC railway network will stretch about 2,117 kilometers, starting from Kuwait City, passing through Saudi Arabia’s Dammam, and branching out to Bahrain and Qatar via two sea bridges. From Qatar, the line will continue through Abu Dhabi before reaching Muscat in Oman.

Designed to enhance trade, economic ties, and people-to-people connections, the project aims to offer a modern, sustainable transport alternative that reduces road traffic and aligns with the shared Gulf vision for economic resilience.

The railway supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 by boosting infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and expanding regional partnerships. Benefits include smoother cross-border trade and logistics, new tourism and cultural exchange opportunities, job creation during construction and operations, and lower environmental impact by shifting freight and passenger transport from roads to rail.

The cabinet’s approval signals Qatar’s commitment to building stronger regional links. The next phases will include detailed engineering studies, funding strategies, and coordinated plans among member states to ensure timely and effective implementation. The GCC rail link is expected to open a new era of cooperation and growth for the Gulf region.

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