Saudi Arabia and Qatar Sign Agreement for High-Speed Rail, Cutting Riyadh-Doha Travel to 2 Hours

Islamabad (Daily Qudrat): **Saudi Arabia and Qatar** have signed an agreement to establish their first **high-speed rail project** connecting the two Gulf states. The announcement came during a meeting under the framework of the **Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council** in Riyadh.

At Riyadh’s **Qasr Yamamah**, Saudi Crown Prince **Mohammed bin Salman** and Qatari Emir **Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani** co-chaired the 8th session of the Council. Following the meeting, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services **Engineer Saleh Al-Jasser** and Qatari Minister of Communications **Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani** signed the high-speed rail agreement.

The project will link **King Salman International Airport in Riyadh** with **Hamad International Airport in Doha**, reducing travel time between the two capitals to just **two hours**.

According to a joint statement, the rail line is expected to be **completed in six years**, creating **30,000 employment opportunities** and serving **over 10 million passengers annually**.

The **785-kilometer** track will pass through **Al-Hofuf and Dammam** before reaching Doha. Trains will run at speeds of **300 km/h**, significantly enhancing passenger transport, trade, and tourism between the two nations.

Experts estimate the project will contribute **115 billion Saudi riyals** to the combined GDP of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The project will utilize **state-of-the-art technology** to ensure safety and reduce carbon emissions, reflecting the deep and robust **fraternal ties** between the two countries.