Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of an agreement to implement a high-speed electric passenger railway project connecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar, a step reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal and historical relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Minister of Transport of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani within the framework of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council, representing a strategic step aimed at enhancing cooperation, developmental integration, and sustainable development, and demonstrating a shared commitment to regional prosperity.
The high-speed railway line spans 785 kilometres, strategically connecting the capital cities of Riyadh and Doha, and will pass through key stations including Hofuf and Dammam, while also linking King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport.
The train will form a new artery for rapid and sustainable transportation, improving the regional travel experience with speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to approximately two hours, significantly enhancing mobility, boosting trade and tourism, and improving quality of life.
The project is slated for completion in six years, utilising the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety.
It is expected to have an economic impact of nearly 115 billion Saudi Riyals on the GDP of both countries, serving over 10 million passengers annually, and creating more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The high-speed railway will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions, and supporting the transition to more efficient and innovative transportation patterns for smart and sustainable mobility in the region.
