Representatives of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries signed the General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project at Al Riffa Palace in Manama, Bahrain, on the sidelines of the 31st GCC Ministerial Committee on Transport and Communications meeting. The agreement marks a major step toward a unified regional transport network, linking the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. This development is expected to enhance economic integration and cooperation among GCC states.
Construction progress on the 1,700km railway has now surpassed the 50 per cent threshold, with officials noting that more than half of the line is already in place. The project is slated for completion by December 2030, when operations are expected to commence. The railway network will connect all six GCC countries, providing a seamless and efficient transportation system for passengers and goods.
The pact outlines four pillars—project implementation, technical integration, coordination and regional connectivity—to ensure seamless cross‑border railway services. These pillars are designed to facilitate the smooth operation of the railway network, ensuring that trains can move efficiently and safely across borders. The agreement also highlights the importance of cooperation and coordination among GCC states.
GCC Secretary‑General thanked the six leaders for their continued support and highlighted the railway’s role in fostering economic development and shared prosperity throughout the Gulf. The railway is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economy, boosting trade and investment among GCC states. The project is also expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
Project officials project passenger traffic to rise from six million in 2030 to over eight million by 2045, reflecting growing demand for rail travel between GCC states. Freight volumes are forecast to increase from 200 million tonnes in 2030 to 271 million tonnes by 2045, underscoring the railway’s potential to boost logistics efficiency and intra‑regional trade. These projections highlight the railway's potential to transform the region's transportation landscape.
Albudaiwi, a senior GCC official, described the agreement as a milestone for Gulf integration in transport, emphasizing its capacity to deliver a coordinated, interoperable railway system for passengers and goods. The agreement is seen as a significant step toward achieving the GCC's vision of a unified regional transport network. The railway is expected to enhance the region's competitiveness and attract investment.
The GCC Railway Project is a major infrastructure development that will have a lasting impact on the region. The project is expected to be completed by December 2030, with operations commencing shortly thereafter. Once completed, the railway will provide a fast, efficient, and reliable transportation system for passengers and goods, transforming the region's transportation landscape and boosting economic growth.
Key points
- The GCC Railway Project is expected to boost economic development and shared prosperity throughout the Gulf.
