The six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed a landmark agreement to accelerate the development of a unified regional railway network connecting their national transport systems. Signed in Bahrain on Sunday, November 8, the agreement sets a framework for implementing and operating the project, which is currently 55.9% complete, with full operations expected to begin by December 2030.
Regional Railway Network
The agreement was signed in Manama in the presence of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, GCC transport ministers and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, according to the GCC General Secretariat, as reported by Qatar News Agency.
Covering approximately 2,100 kilometres, the proposed railway will connect Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman. It will integrate national rail networks with major ports, industrial areas, economic centres and logistics hubs, supporting both passenger and freight transportation across the region.
The initiative is designed to strengthen intra-regional trade, improve cargo movement, reduce transportation inefficiencies and enhance the GCC’s access to international markets.
The agreement outlines four key areas of cooperation: project execution, technical integration, coordination and regional connectivity. Member states will work under a unified implementation plan and timeline, ensuring their railway systems comply with common technical specifications, operational standards, safety requirements and interoperability guidelines.
It also introduces mechanisms to track project progress and resolve implementation challenges in coordination with the GCC Railways Authority. The broader objective is to establish a reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable railway system for passengers and freight.
Regional Integration and Connectivity
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening transport cooperation among member states.
He stated that the agreement would support the development of a unified railway system, connecting all six countries through an integrated and interoperable regional network. The initiative is expected to improve cross-border mobility, strengthen economic ties and facilitate the movement of goods and passengers throughout the Gulf.
Project Background and Timeline
The regional railway initiative originated in 2009, when GCC leaders agreed to establish a railway network connecting all member countries. In 2021, the GCC Railways Authority was established to coordinate the project’s development, implementation and future operations.
In December 2023, the GCC Ministerial Council approved December 2030 as the target for completing the entire network. It also allowed railway connections between neighbouring countries to become operational as individual sections are completed.
The latest agreement comes as Gulf governments increasingly focus on diversifying transportation and supply chain routes. Growing concerns over maritime disruptions, shipping expenses and insurance costs have further highlighted the importance of developing alternative regional transport infrastructure.
Economic Impact: Key Figures
Investment by GCC governments in land, air and maritime transportation, along with supporting infrastructure and logistics facilities, contributed to 5.7% real growth in the region’s transport and storage sector in 2025, according to the GCC Secretariat.
The sector’s performance highlights the growing importance of transportation and logistics in the region’s economic diversification strategy, with the proposed railway network expected to further strengthen trade, connectivity and supply chain efficiency across the six member states.
