Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign Riyadh-Doha Rail Pact

Saudi Arabia and Qatar signed a landmark agreement on Monday to construct a high-speed electric passenger railway linking the capitals of Riyadh and Doha, marking a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity between the two Gulf nations.

The deal, witnessed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was formalized during the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council in Riyadh. Transport ministers from both countries, Saleh Al-Jasser of Saudi Arabia and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani of Qatar, signed the pact at Al-Yamamah Palace. The project envisions a 785-kilometer network connecting Riyadh's King Salman International Airport to Doha's Hamad International Airport, with stops in the Saudi cities of Dammam and Al-Hofuf. Designed to reach speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour, the rail line is expected to cut travel time between the capitals to about two hours, compared to roughly 90 minutes for a direct flight.

Officials described the initiative as a major strategic effort aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and...