Get ready to zip down to Doha over the weekend because a brand-new Saudi Arabia to Qatar high speed rail link is about to be launched.
The over 700-kilometer-long rail link will connect the Saudi and Qatari capitals with key stops in the middle. The rail is expected to reduce your travel time to an easy-breezy two hours.
The project’s agreement was signed at the eighth Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council following a meeting between the Saudi Prime Minister and Crown Prince His Royal Highness, Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The high speed rail link is set to be completed in six years and will produce 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
According to Arab News, the new rail service is set to transform travel across the region, making journeys smoother while giving trade and tourism a strong lift. It is estimated that the economic boost for both countries could reach SAR115 billion, or about USD30.6 billion, highlighting just how big an impact this link is expected to make.
So, pack your bags and prepare to float on the beaches of Doha. Here is everything to know about the upcoming service.
Saudi Arabia to Qatar high speed rail link
Saudi and Qatari leaders came together at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh to witness the signing of a major new agreement during the eighth Qatari Saudi Coordination Council session.
The deal, signed by both countries transport ministers, marks a strategic move to boost cooperation, strengthen development efforts and support long term regional growth.
Both sides also celebrated how far their economic relationship has come, with bilateral trade in 2024 reaching USD930.3 million, a rise of 634 percent since 2021.
Saudi Arabia to Qatar high speed rail link locations
The Saudi-Qatar high speed rail link will service Riyadh and Doha with additional stops along the way including Hofuf and Dammam. The rail link will also be connected to Riyadh‘s King Khalid International Airport and Doha’s Hamdan International Airport.
Saudi Arabia to Qatar high speed rail link opening date
While no official date has been announced for the project’s completion, we do know that the officials hope for the service to be done in the coming six years.
Saudi Arabia to Qatar high speed rail link tickets
Tickets will be released closer to the launch date.
What to expect from the Saudi Arabia to Qatar high speed rail link
The new high speed rail line will span 785km and run trains that can top 300kph, bringing cutting edge tech and smart engineering to the region. It is designed to support sustainability by lowering carbon emissions and paving the way for more efficient and innovative transport. As a result, it stands out as a flagship project that will boost regional growth while strengthening connections across the GCC. Once completed, the passenger rail link is set to service 10 million people annually.
Saudi transportation
The Kingdom has been updating its transportation guide and making movement in and around Saudi a breeze. with the announcements of self-driving cars’ pilot phase, the KAFD monorail, and the Riyadh Air maiden flight. There is also a high speed Saudi Arabian land bridge rail coming soon. Looking to explore Six Flags Qiddiya? A dedicated Qiddiya high speed rail has also been announced. Dream of the Desert pre-reservations have also opened.
Coming soon.
