King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has ratified the agreement for a 785km electric high-speed railway connecting Riyadh and Doha, formally authorising the cross-border infrastructure project between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The rail line is expected to reduce travel time between the two capitals to around two hours, with construction projected to take six years. Key stations will include Hofuf and Dammam, linking King Salman International Airport with Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Forecasts indicate the project could generate a combined GDP impact of SAR 115 billion, serve more than 10 million passengers annually and create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. The initiative forms part of broader GCC connectivity plans aimed at deepening regional economic integration by 2031.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer