- Rail agreement signed by MBS and the Emir of Qatar.
- High-speed train project to be completed in six years.
- The train is expected to serve around 10 million passengers per year.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Qatar signed an agreement on Monday to build a high-speed train linking the Gulf countries’ capitals, marking the latest sign of improving ties between the two countries, once deeply at odds.
According to a statement published in the official Saudi press, the “high-speed electric passenger railway” would connect Riyadh to Doha.
The Saudi cities of Al-Hofuf and Dammam are also expected to be part of the network.
The train would reach speeds in excess of 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph) and the journey would take around two hours between the two capitals.
A direct flight between the cities takes approximately 90 minutes.
The project, which is expected to be completed in six years, is expected to serve 10 million passengers annually, the statement said.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the latter’s visit to Riyadh.
The agreement is just the latest in a series of measures marking the dramatic improvement in relations between the Gulf countries in recent years.
Saudi Arabia and its allies the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed all diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar in June 2017.
Relations were fully restored in January 2021 after a summit in the Saudi desert city of AlUla.
Prince Mohammed visited Doha in December 2021 for the first time since the thaw in relations, as part of a Gulf regional tour.
Since then, the leaders of the two monarchies have met regularly and joined forces to support diplomatic initiatives, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Riyadh also provided support to Qatar after Israeli strikes on Doha over the summer.
