Saudi Arabia and Qatar sign high-speed rail deal to link capitals

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by By AFPDecember 8, 2025 at 05:48 PM

AI Summary

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Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to build a high-speed electric passenger railway connecting Riyadh and Doha, the first project of its kind between the two nations. The railway will link King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Hamad International Airport in Doha, with expected stops in Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The train will travel at speeds exceeding 300km/h, reducing travel time between the capitals to approximately two hours. The project, slated for completion in six years, aims to serve 10 million passengers annually and create 30,000 jobs. This agreement signifies improved relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar after a period of strained diplomatic and transport ties that began in 2017.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani 60% Mohammed bin Salman 70% Saudi Arabia ×780% Qatar ×680%

Keywords

high-speed rail 100% saudi arabia 90% qatar 90% infrastructure project 70% gulf nations 60% doha 50% riyadh 50% diplomatic ties 40% transport ties 40%