GCC countries plan to complete a 2,117-kilometer railway network connecting all six member states, from Kuwait to Oman, with full operations targeted by the end of 2030.

RIYADH | BETH

November 2, 2026

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are preparing to sign the General Railway Agreement during a meeting of transport ministers in Bahrain on Sunday, November 8, marking a significant step toward accelerating one of the region’s largest joint transportation projects.

Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, emphasized that accelerating the project has become a Gulf priority, highlighting the importance of coordination among the six member states and the completion of the regulatory and legislative frameworks required to operate the network.

The project will extend approximately 2,117 kilometers, connecting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman through an integrated railway network designed to transport both passengers and freight.

According to the announced specifications, passenger trains will reach speeds of approximately 200 kilometers per hour, while freight trains will operate at speeds ranging from 80 to 120 kilometers per hour.

The project is scheduled to become fully operational by December 2030, with the possibility of launching completed cross-border sections between neighboring countries ahead of that date.

BETH Analysis | An Economic Network Beyond Passenger Transport

The project’s significance extends beyond reducing travel distances between Gulf cities. It aims to establish a unified land transport corridor supporting trade, tourism, and logistics, while connecting ports, industrial zones, and markets across the Gulf region.

The railway network is also expected to reduce freight transportation costs, provide additional travel options, and stimulate investment in transportation, warehousing, and related services.

Signing the agreement represents an important regulatory milestone. However, the project's ultimate success will depend on the member states' adherence to implementation schedules, the integration of border and operational systems, and the transformation of the network into a unified Gulf transportation system.