GCC Countries Sign Landmark Railway Agreement to Connect Six Gulf States

Manama, Bahrain — 8 November 2026: The six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Qatar, have signed the General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project, marking a major step towards establishing an integrated railway network connecting the Gulf region.

The agreement was signed in Manama, Bahrain, on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in connection with the 30th Meeting of GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications.

The signing ceremony was attended by GCC transport ministers and H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC.

The agreement establishes a common framework for coordinating the development and operation of the regional railway network, with the aim of improving connectivity, facilitating passenger and freight movement, and strengthening economic integration among GCC member states.

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Connecting All Six GCC Countries

The GCC Railway Project aims to establish a cross-border railway network linking Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The proposed network is designed to provide an integrated regional transport system that supports passenger travel, freight transportation, trade and tourism.

By connecting national railway networks, the project is expected to improve regional accessibility and create additional transportation options for people and businesses.

The railway is also intended to strengthen logistics efficiency and support economic activity by improving connections between Gulf markets.

What Does the New Railway Agreement Include?

The General Agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between GCC member states and the GCC Railways Authority.

It outlines several important areas of coordination, including:

• Defining the responsibilities of individual GCC countries in implementing the project.

• Establishing an agreed framework and timeline for construction and operation.

• Standardising technical specifications and operational procedures.

• Introducing common railway safety requirements.

• Ensuring compatibility and interoperability between national railway networks.

• Developing mechanisms to address implementation challenges and coordinate progress.

  
  

These measures are intended to support the development of a unified regional railway system rather than separate, disconnected national networks.

Qatar Highlights the Importance of Gulf Integration

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport, described the signing as a strategic step towards strengthening Gulf integration and developing a connected regional transport system.

His Excellency highlighted the agreement’s importance in reinforcing cooperation among GCC countries and supporting sustainable economic and social development.

He also emphasised that improved railway connectivity could facilitate the movement of people and goods, enhance logistics efficiency and create broader opportunities for regional trade and tourism.

The Minister reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment, under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, to supporting joint GCC initiatives that strengthen regional integration and contribute to the development of modern transport infrastructure.

Supporting Regional Trade, Tourism and Logistics

The railway network is expected to support several major sectors across the Gulf.

For passengers, the project aims to provide an additional means of cross-border transportation between GCC countries.

For businesses, integrated freight railway services could help improve supply-chain connections, reduce reliance on individual transport modes and facilitate the movement of goods between regional markets.

The project could also support tourism by expanding transportation options for travellers visiting multiple Gulf destinations.

Together, these developments are intended to enhance the region’s competitiveness as a hub for transportation, logistics and trade.

A Project First Approved in 2009

The GCC railway network has been under development for several years.

In 2009, the GCC Supreme Council approved the establishment of a railway network connecting the six member states.

In December 2021, the Council approved the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority to coordinate implementation and ensure compatibility with national railway networks.

The latest agreement represents a further step in developing the project’s regulatory, technical and operational framework.

When Will the GCC Railway Begin Operations?

The regional railway network is currently targeted to become fully operational by December 2030, according to reporting accompanying the agreement’s signing.

However, this remains a planned completion target rather than a confirmed date for passenger services.

The agreement signed on 8 November 2026 establishes the framework for coordinating the project; it does not mean the railway is already operational or that tickets are available.

With continued cooperation among GCC member states, the project aims to establish a connected rail system that supports regional mobility, economic development and long-term transportation integration.