Regional heavyweights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to build a high-speed rail link between the two countries, reported SPA.

The announcement came yesterday (December 8) after a meeting in Riyadh between His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Amir of the Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held under the framework of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

The train link, which will connect King Salman International Airport in Riyadh to Hamad International Airport in Doha, will be a first for the two nations and reduce travel time between the two capitals to just two hours, said the report.

According to a joint statement, the project is expected to be completed within six years and create 30,000 jobs across the two countries. Once operational it will carry more than 10 million passengers a year.

The leaders witnessed the signing of the deal at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where they also co-chaired the eighth session of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council.

The deal was signed by Saudi Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Transport Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani. It is seen as a strategic step aimed at enhancing cooperation, developmental integration and sustainable development and demonstrating a shared commitment to regional prosperity.

The high-speed railway line spans 785 kilometers, strategically connecting the capital cities of Riyadh and Doha, and will pass through key stations including Hofuf and Dammam.

The train will form a new artery for rapid and sustainable transportation, improving the regional travel experience with speeds exceeding 300 km per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to approximately two hours, significantly enhancing mobility, boosting trade and tourism, and improving quality of life, stated the SPA report.

The service is expected to significantly improve rail travel in the region and provide a boost to trade and tourism. The economic benefit to both countries has been estimated at SR115 billion ($30.6 billion).

The high-speed railway will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition to more efficient and innovative transportation patterns for smart and sustainable mobility in the region. This makes the rail line one of the most important strategic projects supporting regional development and strengthening connectivity and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.