The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have signed an agreement to coordinate the implementation and operation of their planned regional railway network, marking a significant step towards integrated passenger and freight connectivity across the Gulf.
The General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project was signed in Bahrain on Sunday, November 8, in the presence of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and transport and communications ministers from member states.
According to the GCC Railways Authority, the project is currently 55.92 per cent complete, with full network operations targeted for December 2030.
The agreement establishes the responsibilities of member states and provides a framework for coordinating project implementation and railway operations. It also lays down common technical specifications, safety requirements and operational standards to ensure compatibility between national railway networks.
The proposed regional network will connect Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, linking major economic centres, seaports and logistics hubs through an integrated passenger and freight transportation system.
Albudaiwi said the agreement would support the development of an integrated regional railway system and facilitate transportation and connectivity between GCC countries.
The GCC Railways Authority will coordinate implementation with national railway authorities and develop common operating requirements, including the integration of signalling, communications and safety systems.
Qatar’s Ministry of Transport said the agreement would provide a mechanism to address implementation challenges and ensure technical and operational compatibility across the regional network.
Qatari Transport Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani said the project would strengthen logistics connectivity while creating new opportunities for regional trade and tourism.
GCC leaders approved the railway project in 2009, while the GCC Railways Authority was established in December 2021. The GCC Ministerial Council formally adopted December 2030 as the target for full network operations in December 2023.
The authority has also indicated that completed railway sections connecting neighbouring countries could commence operations before the entire regional network is completed, allowing member states to progressively activate cross-border rail connectivity.