Qatar & Saudi Arabia High-Speed Rail Project To Connect Doha and Riyadh in Two Hours

A conceptual view of the proposed Doha–Riyadh high-speed electric rail.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) stated that the Qatar and Saudi Arabia high-speed electric rail project represents a strategic milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The initiative aligns with shared goals of developmental integration, sustainable growth, and long-term regional prosperity.

According to the Ministry, the rail line will extend approximately 785 kilometers, connecting Doha and Riyadh while passing through key areas such as Al-Hofuf and Dammam. It will link Hamad International Airport with King Salman International Airport, creating a fast and sustainable transportation corridor and enhancing regional mobility with operating speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour.

Once operational, the project is expected to reduce travel time between Doha and Riyadh to just two hours. This improvement will support passenger mobility, stimulate business and tourism activity, contribute to economic growth, and enhance overall quality of life. The railway is projected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually, offering seamless access to major destinations in both countries, while generating over 30,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The Ministry also noted that the project is anticipated to add approximately 115 billion riyals to the combined GDP of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, positioning it among the region’s most significant infrastructure developments and reinforcing connectivity and integration across the GCC through a modern rail network.

Construction is expected to take around six years and will follow the highest international standards for quality and safety, incorporating advanced railway technologies and smart engineering solutions. The project will support environmental sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions and promoting more efficient, innovative, and sustainable modes of transportation in the region.