#Rail plays a crucial role in connecting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. With vast distances between major cities and economic centers, efficient transportation infrastructure is essential for fostering trade, tourism, and economic development. Rail networks offer a sustainable and cost-effective means of transporting goods and people across borders, facilitating regional integration and cooperation. By linking key cities and industrial hubs, railways enhance connectivity, reduce road congestion, and mitigate environmental impact. Moreover, they bolster the GCC's position as a global trade and logistics hub, unlocking new opportunities for growth and prosperity in the region.
The GCC Railway is a new phase of economic integration and trade between GCC countries
The project is to connect the GCC countries with an integrated railway network extending from the State of Kuwait to the Sultanate of Oman, with a total length of 2,177 kilometers, provided that it route begins from Kuwait, passing through Dammam in Saudi Arabia, to the Bahraini capital, Manama. There will be a line from Dammam to Doha via the Salwa border gate and will connect Qatar to Bahrain, and another from Saudi Arabia to the Emirates via Abu Dhabi and Al Ain before going to the Omani capital, Muscat, via Sohar.
The initial investment cost of the GCC Railway project, whose agreement was concluded, is approximately $15 billion, subject to increase. The project costs include the construction, maintenance and development of linking roads and main roads in the GCC countries, as well as the costs of preparing and applying unified specifications, regulations and systems, in addition to establishing the transport sector database, and other costs related to transport services and safety.
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