RIYADH — The Saudi Cabinet approves Saudi-Qatar electric high-speed railway link.
This decision marks a major step toward deeper Gulf transportation integration.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman chaired the Cabinet session in Riyadh. The ministers present, formally endorsed the 785-kilometer electric rail project connecting Riyadh and Doha.
The railway will strengthen economic cooperation, improve mobility, and support regional development.
Project Details: 300 km/h Rail Connecting Riyadh and Doha
The planned electric railway will:
- Stretch 785 kilometers
- Connect Riyadh, Dammam, Al-Ahsa, and Doha
- Operate at speeds exceeding 300 km/h
- Reduce travel time to approximately two hour
The high-speed system aims to boost trade, tourism, and cross-border investment. And to support broader Gulf connectivity goals.
Broader Diplomatic Context Reviewed
During the session, ministers reviewed recent diplomatic engagements, including:
- A telephone conversation between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- Talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
The Cabinet highlighted the strong bilateral ties with Türkiye and Germany.
Also noted were the agreements and memoranda that expand cooperation in trade, investment, and development sectors.
Regional Security and Gaza Ceasefire Emphasized
The Cabinet reviewed ongoing regional developments and reinforced Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role.
Key priorities include:
- Supporting the Gaza ceasefire agreement
- Encouraging full implementation of ceasefire terms
- Advancing efforts toward a two-state political solution
Ministers also reaffirmed support for international coordination against terrorism following the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS meeting hosted in the Kingdom.
Syria Investment and Infrastructure Cooperation
The Cabinet welcomed expanding Saudi-Syrian cooperation. Recent initiatives include Saudi-backed projects in:
- Aviation
- Telecommunications
- Water infrastructure
- Industry
- Education
These projects aim to strengthen Syria’s economic recovery and infrastructure rebuilding.
Energy, Nuclear and International Agreements
The Council authorized further cooperation agreements in multiple sectors.
These include:
- Framework discussions on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation with Jordan and Türkiye
- Mutual visa exemptions with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Mongolia
- Cultural cooperation with Uzbekistan
- Health cooperation with Syria
- Geological collaboration with Yemen
- Financial investigations coordination with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
These agreements reflect Saudi Arabia’s expanding international partnerships.
Economic Reform and Global Leadership
The Cabinet commended outcomes from the AlUla Conference on Emerging Market Economies 2026, organized with the International Monetary Fund.
The event focused on:
- Financial reform
- Economic resilience
- Sustainable growth in emerging markets
The Kingdom’s election to the presidency of the Institute of Internal Auditors Board of Directors (2027–2028) further reinforces its global leadership role.
The Saudi Cabinet’s approval of the Saudi-Qatar electric high-speed railway link signals a strategic shift toward deeper Gulf integration, faster mobility, and expanded regional economic cooperation.
