Gulf Railway Project: New Routes, Cross-Border Links and the Future of GCC Travel

Rail travel across the GCC is accelerating toward a unified future, with member nations signing new agreements and fast-tracking cross-border railway projects. The Gulf Railway Authority recently confirmed renewed momentum on the ambitious GCC Railway Project, targeting December 2030 for completion. While each country is progressing at its own pace, the region’s rail foundations are rapidly strengthening  from Saudi Arabia’s established networks to the UAE’s emerging passenger services.

Below is a detailed look at the key rail routes shaping the Gulf’s next era of travel.

1. Saudi Arabia–Qatar High-Speed Rail-

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have formalised plans for a high-speed electric rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha. Expected to be completed within six years, the 785-kilometre route will slash travel time between the two capitals to around two hours, with trains reaching speeds of over 300 km/h. Designed to carry more than 10 million passengers annually, the line will strengthen tourism, trade and mobility, linking Riyadh, Hofuf, Dammam, King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport.

2. UAE–Oman: Hafeet Rail-

Hafeet Rail marks a major collaboration between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala, aimed at creating the region’s first fully integrated cross-border railway for passengers and freight.

Key Highlights:

• Length: 238 km

• Value: USD 2.5 billion

• Speed: Up to 200 km/h for passenger trains

• Purpose: Connect Etihad Rail at Al Ain to Oman’s Sohar Port

The route will significantly reduce travel times between Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sohar while boosting logistics capabilities between the two nations.

3. Saudi Arabia–Kuwait Railway Link-

Announced in 2024, this 650-km railway line is expected to break ground in 2026 and be completed by 2028. The corridor will connect Kuwait’s Al Shadadiya in Al Farwaniya governorate to Riyadh, offering a new pathway for both passenger travel and freight movement. Once operational, it will reinforce Saudi-Kuwaiti economic ties and enhance regional mobility.

4. Saudi Arabia–Bahrain: King Hamad Causeway Rail Project-

Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has confirmed its inclusion in the GCC rail network through the King Hamad Causeway project, running parallel to the King Fahd Causeway.

Key Features:

• Four road lanes and two railway tracks

• 57 km rail link between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

• Direct connection from Bahrain’s upcoming King Hamad International Station in Ramli to Dammam

The project will integrate with Bahrain International Airport and the proposed Bahrain Metro, allowing seamless passenger movement across the region.

A New Era for GCC Travel-

As domestic rail systems expand and cross-border agreements multiply, the dream of a fully connected Gulf rail network is quickly becoming reality. By 2030, residents, commuters and tourists may be able to glide across borders with unprecedented ease  linking major cities, ports and airports across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. The GCC’s transportation future is being built one rail at a time, and its impact promises to be transformative.