The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman, are progressing with the development of an integrated railway network that will cover over 2,177 kilometers across the region. This ambitious initiative, known as the GCC Railway Project, aims to transform transportation and connectivity within the area, allowing for faster movement of passengers and goods. As the railway development enters a critical phase, 2025 is set to mark significant progress and achievements.

The GCC railway project was initially proposed in the early 2000s in response to the increasing demand for efficient transportation systems to support the region’s rapid economic growth. The vision is to establish a comprehensive rail network linking all six GCC member states, which will enhance cross-border trade, promote regional tourism, and foster economic integration.

As of 2025, notable advancements have been made in the railway project across all member states, with various segments either under construction or nearing completion. In Kuwait, significant strides are being made on its portion of the railway, with the government awarding an $8 million contract to Turkish consultancy Proyapi in April 2025 to design a 111-kilometer segment. This segment will connect Kuwait’s southern border with Saudi Arabia at Nuwaiseeb to the Al-Shadadiya area near Kuwait City, supporting both passenger and freight services.

In the UAE, substantial progress has been made with the Etihad Rail network. The completion of Stage Two, which spans over 600 kilometers, connects the UAE’s western border with Saudi Arabia at Ghuweifat to the eastern coast at Fujairah. This development is crucial for transporting goods, particularly petroleum products, throughout the Gulf. Furthermore, advancements in the Hafeet Rail project—a joint venture between Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment—aim to link Abu Dhabi with Sohar in Oman, enhancing trade relations and transportation flow.

Saudi Arabia plays a central role in the GCC railway project, with significant infrastructural developments underway. The Saudi Landbridge project aims to connect the Red Sea port of Jeddah to the capital city, Riyadh, via a 950-kilometer rail line, facilitating the movement of goods between regions and neighboring countries. Additionally, the newly constructed rail line between Jubail and Dammam, inaugurated in April 2024, is expected to enhance freight movement between these industrial hubs.

Oman is also focused on enhancing cross-border connectivity, particularly through the Hafeet Rail project, which connects the UAE’s Etihad Rail network with Oman. This initiative is pivotal for Oman’s rail development and supports the broader GCC railway project by improving the movement of goods and passengers.

Qatar continues to develop its rail infrastructure, with Qatar Rail working on integrating its network with the GCC railway project. The completion of its connections to neighboring countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is expected to boost regional connectivity and support trade and tourism.

Bahrain is making progress to link its rail network with Saudi Arabia, enhancing cross-border connectivity. This rail link is anticipated to bring numerous benefits, including increased trade, improved economic integration, and enhanced regional connectivity as Bahrain solidifies its role in the GCC railway project.

The GCC railway project is expected to yield significant economic benefits by offering a sustainable transportation mode that reduces dependence on road transport. This initiative will alleviate congestion and lower the environmental impact of freight movement while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, and economic cooperation among GCC countries.

While challenges such as construction delays and coordination issues among member states persist, the commitment to completing the railway by 2030 remains strong. The ongoing collaboration and investment will ensure that the GCC railway becomes a vital component of the region’s economic growth, sustainability, and enhanced connectivity.

As we look towards 2025 and beyond, the GCC railway project stands as a transformative endeavor for the Gulf region. The progress made thus far reflects the dedication and cooperation of the GCC countries, and the railway is poised to reshape the region’s transportation infrastructure, fostering economic integration and regional cooperation.