Key routes, travel plans and cross-border links revealed

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1. Saudi Arabia–Qatar high-speed rail

Once operational, the journey between the two capitals could be cut to around two hours, with trains travelling over 300 km/h. Stretching 785 kilometres, the route is projected to carry more than 10 million passengers a year, supporting smoother travel, stronger trade links and increased tourism.

The network will run through key Saudi cities – Riyadh, Hofuf and Dammam and connect two major airports – King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha.

2. UAE–Oman: Hafeet Rail

Hafeet Rail is a major joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala, designed to link the UAE and Oman through an integrated transport and logistics chain.

  • Route length: 238 km

  • Project value: approximately USD 2.5 billion

  • Purpose: connect Etihad Rail’s network at Al Ain with Oman’s Sohar Port

  • Speed: passenger trains designed to operate at up to 200 km/h

Travel times between Abu Dhabi, Sohar and Al Ain are expected to drop significantly, offering a modern, cross-border alternative to driving. The line will also support freight operations between the two countries, making it the first fully integrated cross-border railway in the region.

3. Saudi Arabia–Kuwait railway link

The project is expected to be completed within four years, with the line set to transport both people and goods.

The railway will begin in Al Shadadiya in Kuwait’s Al Farwaniya governorate and continue south towards the Saudi capital, Riyadh, forming a new corridor for regional mobility and trade.

4. Saudi Arabia–Bahrain: King Hamad Causeway rail project

According to Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT), the country will be connected to the wider GCC network through the King Hamad Causeway project, which will run parallel to the existing King Fahd Causeway.

  • Four road lanes and two rail tracks

  • 57 km of railway linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

  • A connection from Bahrain’s planned King Hamad International Station in Ramli to Dammam railway station in Saudi Arabia

Once complete, passengers will be able to travel seamlessly across borders. The Ramli passenger terminal will also connect to Bahrain International Airport and future routes on the proposed Bahrain Metro, integrating the country’s domestic transport systems with the wider GCC rail network.


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