Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a milestone agreement to construct a high-speed electric rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha.

The deal, announced during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, marks one of the most ambitious transport projects in Gulf history and signals deepening cooperation between the two nations.

The announcement came during the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council meeting, co-chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders met at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where they witnessed the signing of the rail deal and reviewed a series of bilateral initiatives.

سمو #ولي_العهد وسمو أمير دولة قطر يرأسان مجلس التنسيق السعودي القطري.#أمير_قطر_في_الرياض #واس pic.twitter.com/NZWp3vbnb9
— واس الأخبار الملكية (@spagov) December 8, 2025

The agreement 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 marks the first-ever high-speed rail connection between the two Gulf capitals.

785km, 300+ kph electric railway

The high-speed electric rail line will stretch 785km, linking King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Hamad International Airport in Doha. Trains capable of exceeding 300kph (186 mph) will reduce travel time between the cities to around two hours -- a major shift from current air and road travel times.

The route will also include stops in key Saudi cities such as Al-Hofuf and Dammam, strengthening connectivity across the Eastern Province.

🇶🇦 🇸🇦 🚅 High-Speed Electric Rail Project for Passengers between Qatar and Saudi Arabia Strategic Step to Enhance Cooperation, Developmental Complementarity

Read more: https://t.co/xYT5vkvCbs @SaudiTransport #MOTQatar #Qatar pic.twitter.com/T4xi6WXC7o
— Ministry of Transport 🇶🇦 وزارة المواصلات (@MOTQatar) December 8, 2025

The project is expected to be completed within six years and designed with state-of-the-art technologies to support environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and promoting innovative transport solutions.

Economic impact, job creation

The rail link is forecast to deliver an estimated SR115 billion ($30.6 billion) in economic benefits to both countries. Once fully operational, it is expected to serve over 10 million passengers annually.

Officials said the project will create 30,000 jobs across Saudi Arabia and Qatar, supporting national development priorities under Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.

Strengthening trade, tourism, Gulf integration

In a joint statement published by Saudi state media SPA, both nations highlighted the “strength and depth” of their economic relationship. Bilateral trade reached $930.3 million in 2024, representing a remarkable 634% increase compared with 2021 (excluding re-exports).

The two sides underscored their commitment to diversifying trade flows, removing commercial barriers, and expanding cooperation across priority sectors. They described the rail project as a strategic pillar for boosting tourism, investment, and people-to-people mobility.

#PICTURES: Emir of Qatar sheikh Tamim bin Hamad arrives in Riyadh, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leads the welcoming reception. pic.twitter.com/bNTXXXyGxo
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) December 8, 2025

The agreement also included memoranda covering rail transport, investment facilitation, food security, media cooperation, and the non-profit sector.

Broader cooperation: Defense, regional stability

Alongside economic agreements, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation to support regional stability. The joint council session emphasized the importance of consolidating coordinated efforts as both states pursue long-term national vision strategies.

Emir Sheikh Tamim was accompanied by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and other senior officials. After the council meetings and agreement signings, the emir concluded a brief official visit to Riyadh.