The Gulf Railway Authority announced that the Gulf Railway Project remains on schedule for completion by December 2030. Officials stressed that the initiative stands as one of the most ambitious transport projects in the Gulf region.
During the Global Rail 2025 Exhibition and Congress in Abu Dhabi, Director General Eng. Mohammed bin Fahad Al Shabrami outlined the project’s strategic value. He confirmed that the Gulf Railway Project will link all six GCC countries through a 2,117-kilometer rail network, boosting regional and international connectivity.
Al Shabrami emphasized that GCC member states continue to coordinate closely to align national projects with the Gulf-wide plan. He explained that this integrated approach allows each country’s transport infrastructure to contribute to the vision of a unified regional system. He noted that the railway will advance economic integration while also driving sustainable development.
The Gulf Railway Project directly connects major ports and logistics hubs across the GCC. Officials expect this linkage to streamline trade routes, cut transportation costs, and expand passenger travel. By enabling smoother trade and mobility, the initiative aims to strengthen the region’s role as a global logistics center.
Planners intend to run passenger trains at speeds above 200 kilometers per hour. Freight trains will travel between 80 and 120 kilometers per hour. These speeds, they argue, will raise efficiency for both goods delivery and passenger movement, while supporting sustainable transport practices.
Industry experts predict that the project will transform the Gulf’s long-term economic outlook. They believe enhanced connectivity will support diversification efforts, reduce dependence on oil revenues, and create new opportunities for foreign investment. Analysts also highlight that the project aligns with regional goals to develop greener, more modern transport systems.
Looking ahead, officials expect the Gulf Railway Project to reshape trade and travel patterns throughout the Middle East. By linking economies, people, and businesses, the railway will reinforce both economic cooperation and social ties among GCC nations.
For the Gulf, the railway symbolizes not just infrastructure development but also a shared commitment to collective growth and integration.
