The Saudi Council of Ministers has officially approved a major agreement to construct an electric high-speed railway linking Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The decision was made during a Cabinet session chaired by King Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This new infrastructure project is set to transform travel between the two nations, significantly cutting down travel time and boosting economic cooperation.
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What is the route and speed of the new train?
The new railway line will cover a total distance of 785 kilometers, connecting the capital cities of both countries. Trains on this line are designed to run at speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour. This will reduce the travel time between Riyadh and Doha to approximately two hours, making it a very quick journey compared to current options.
The route is planned to connect key population centers and transport hubs. It will link Riyadh and Doha while passing through major stations in Dammam and Al-Ahsa (Hofuf) in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the railway will provide a direct connection between King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha, allowing for seamless transfers for air passengers.
Project timeline and expected benefits
The agreement for this project was initially signed on December 8, 2025, and received final Cabinet approval this week. Authorities are targeting initial operations to begin by June 2026, with the full project slated for completion around December 2031 or early 2032. The project aligns with the national visions of both Saudi Arabia and Qatar, focusing on sustainable transport and tourism.
Once fully operational, the railway is expected to serve over 10 million passengers annually. It is also projected to generate an economic impact of approximately SAR 115 billion (US$30.7 billion) on the combined GDP of both nations. Additionally, the construction and operation of this high-speed line will create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 785 Kilometers |
| Top Speed | Over 300 km/h |
| Travel Time | Approx. 2 Hours |
| Key Stations | Riyadh, Dammam, Al-Ahsa, Doha |
| Projected Jobs | 30,000+ |