Saudi–Qatar High-Speed Rail Plan Would Put Riyadh–Doha Within Two Hours

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to develop a high-speed electric passenger rail line linking Riyadh and Doha, marking a significant infrastructure and political milestone between the two Gulf states. The project would create the first direct rail connection between the Saudi and Qatari capitals and further integrate transport networks across the eastern Arabian Peninsula.

Plans indicate the line would connect King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Doha’s Hamad International Airport, with intermediate stations expected in key Saudi urban and commercial hubs including Al-Hofuf and Dammam. Designed for speeds exceeding 300 km/h, the rail link would reduce end-to-end travel time to around two hours, offering a competitive alternative to short-haul air travel once airport logistics are factored in.

The project is scheduled for completion within six years and is projected to serve approximately 10 million passengers annually. Officials have also highlighted its potential to generate tens of thousands of jobs across construction, operations, and related services, reinforcing its role as both a mobility project and an economic catalyst.

Beyond transport efficiency, the agreement reflects a broader strategic shift toward deeper regional coordination. The rail deal follows the normalization of relations between Riyadh and Doha in 2021 and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Qatar’s long-term national development objectives, both of which prioritize infrastructure, diversification, and connectivity.

If realized as planned, the rail link would strengthen cross-border business travel, support tourism and major international events, and contribute to the Gulf’s longer-term ambition of developing an integrated, multimodal transport network. It also underscores how large-scale infrastructure is increasingly being used as a tool of economic diplomacy and regional alignment in the Middle East.