Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a landmark agreement to construct a high-speed railway linking their capitals, Riyadh and Doha, marking the first rail project of its kind between the two Gulf nations. The project reflects the rapid improvement in diplomatic and economic ties following years of tension.

The agreement, announced by Saudi media on Monday, will see a high-speed electric passenger train connect King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Hamad International Airport in Doha, while also linking the Saudi cities of Al-Hofuf and Dammam to the network.

“This project is a historic step in strengthening cooperation and connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” the official statement said.

Project Details

• Train speed: Exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph)
• Travel time: Approximately two hours between Riyadh and Doha
• Completion timeline: Six years
• Passenger capacity: 10 million annually
• Employment impact: Creation of 30,000 jobs across both countries

Although a direct flight between Riyadh and Doha currently takes around 90 minutes, the rail line is expected to provide an efficient, high-capacity alternative for travelers and enhance freight transport across the region.

The deal 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.

Historical Context and Diplomatic Significance

The rail project is one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and highlights the dramatic turnaround in relations between the two nations.

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and maintaining close relations with Iran, allegations Qatar denied. Relations were fully restored in January 2021 following the AlUla summit.

Since the reconciliation, leaders of the two kingdoms have regularly met, cooperating on regional diplomacy, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia also publicly backed Qatar after Israeli airstrikes on Qatari territory in September 2025, which targeted Hamas leaders and caused casualties among both officials and civilians.

Strategic and Economic Implications

The high-speed rail project is expected to:

• Boost regional connectivity and trade within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
• Create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth
• Strengthen Saudi-Qatar political and economic alignment, reinforcing Gulf stability

Officials describe the rail line as a symbol of modern Gulf collaboration, signaling a new era of transportation and economic integration in the region.