Monday, December 8, 2025
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Sign Agreement to Build High-Speed Electric Rail Link
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a major agreement to build a high-speed electric railway connecting Riyadh and Doha through Dammam and Al-Ahsa (Hofuf). The announcement came on Monday at the end of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to the Kingdom.
A Strategic Project for Both Countries
Both governments called the new rail line a strategic project that supports Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. The high-speed train will help boost tourism, trade, and economic ties between the two nations. Trending: Saudi brothers go to court for the right to care for their elderly mother
Highlights of the High-Speed Electric train:
• Expected Speed may exceed 300 km/hr.
• Travel time is just 2 hours.
• Passes through Riyadh-Hofuf-Dammam-Doha
• Railway track length: 785 km
• Completion within just 6 years
Stronger Defense and Security Cooperation
Saudi Arabia and Qatar also confirmed their commitment to strengthening their defense partnership. They highlighted cooperation in:
➤ Intelligence and information sharing
➤ Border security
➤ Cyber defense
➤ Counterterrorism
➤ Drug control
➤ Joint training programs
Wider Cooperation in Key Sectors
The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in many fields, including:
🔘 Digital economy and innovation
🔘 Industry and mining
🔘 Youth, sports, and culture
🔘 Education and academic programs
🔘 Media production and content reliability
🔘 Cybersecurity
🔘 Healthcare
High-Level Talks in Riyadh
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Emir Sheikh Tamim held official talks at Al-Yamamah Palace. They reviewed their strong bilateral relations and discussed new ways to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. See Also: Full breakdown of India's biggest airlines IndiGo crisis
Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council Meeting
Both leaders also co-chaired the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. They praised the progress made so far and stressed the importance of continued collaboration in:
■ Politics and security
■ Defense
■ Energy and industry
■ Investment and trade
■ Technology and infrastructure
■ Culture, tourism, and education
Rapid Growth in Trade Between the Two Countries
The joint statement noted strong economic ties. Bilateral trade reached $930.3 million in 2024, marking a 634% increase compared with 2021. Both sides said they will continue working to expand trade, remove barriers, and develop new opportunities in priority sectors for both national visions.
Investment, Business, and Energy Cooperation
Saudi Arabia and Qatar welcomed plans to increase investment cooperation and encourage more meetings between government and private-sector leaders. They also supported holding business forums in both countries. Most Viewed: Saudi Ministry sets 500 riyal fine on companies for not disclosing beneficial owner data
Both sides emphasized:
👉 Stability of global energy markets
👉 Secure energy supplies
👉 Cooperation in electricity, renewable energy, and efficiency
👉 Development of joint energy projects
👉 Stronger energy supply chains
👉 Coordinated climate policies focusing on emissions reduction rather than energy sources
New Agreements Signed During the Visit
The two countries also celebrated the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding that covered:
✓ Rail transport
✓ Investment promotion
✓ Food security
✓ Media cooperation
✓ The nonprofit sector
Shared Views on International Issues
Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to working together to support global peace and security. They exchanged views on key regional and international developments.
The Saudi side also praised Qatar for ratifying the charter of the World Water Organization, which boosts international cooperation to tackle global water challenges. Read: Riyadh Zoo reopens with the taste of Riyadh Season 2025
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| Saudi Arabia and Qatar Sign Agreement to Build High-Speed Electric Rail Link |
