Six Gulf Nations Greenlight 2,100km Railway Network, Paving Way for Enhanced Connectivity

Transport ministers from the six Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states have signed an agreement to advance a significant railway project, aiming to connect the nations and unlock greater potential for travel and trade. The landmark accord was finalized at Al Zahir Palace in Bahrain.

This ambitious railway network, initially conceived over a decade ago, is designed to span approximately 2,100 kilometers, stretching from Kuwait in the north to Oman in the south. Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, hailed the project as a crucial "investment in the future of the Gulf and its generations." He emphasized that the agreement signifies a milestone, embodying the GCC leaders' vision for "deeper connectivity" and a development partnership poised to foster prosperity and growth among their populations.

The minister further noted that the agreement lays essential groundwork for the legal and regulatory frameworks necessary to bring the railway project to fruition. "It thus lays the foundations for a new phase of connectivity and integration among our countries, opening up broader prospects for trade, investment and travel between them," he stated.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi echoed these sentiments, describing the agreement as a vital step in bolstering Gulf integration within the transport sector. The envisioned network will link all GCC countries into a unified system.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa highlighted that the project would transform the long-standing ties between Gulf peoples into concrete development opportunities and tangible benefits. Bahrain expressed pride in hosting the signing ceremony, with the minister adding that the kingdom's role in hosting the 30th meeting of GCC transport ministers underscored its dedication to supporting joint Gulf initiatives, guided by the directives of King Hamad bin Isa and supported by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

In parallel developments, the UAE has already operationalized its national railway network. Oman is actively developing its cross-border connection with the UAE through the 238km Hafeet Rail project, linking the port city of Sohar with Abu Dhabi via Al Buraimi and Al Ain. Trial operations for the Hafeet Rail project are anticipated to commence in 2027.

For Bahrain, integration into this expansive regional network hinges on its planned connection to Saudi Arabia via the proposed King Hamad Causeway. This new fixed link is engineered to accommodate both road and railway traffic, promising Bahrain enhanced access to the broader Gulf network and strengthening its position within regional freight and passenger corridors.

The minister also touched upon the broader importance of transport infrastructure, stating in a previous interview with The National, "Transport is the lifeline of any economy in any country in the world. Whether we are talking about logistical connectivity in general, or land, air or maritime transport, it is fundamental." He further elaborated on how logistical challenges, such as those related to the Strait of Hormuz, have necessitated greater reliance on road transport and alternative ports like Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia, Sohar and Duqm ports in Oman, and Fujairah Port in the UAE, with onward road connections to Bahrain.