The two Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have signed a historic deal on Monday to construct a high-speed rail connecting the Gulf countries.
The railway line will connect the two capitals, marking the latest sign of improving ties between the two nations. Saudi city Al-Hofuf and Dammam are also expected to be on the rail route.
According to a statement in official Saudi media on Monday, the “high-speed electric passenger railway” would connect Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport with Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
The train is expected to run at a speed of 300 km per hour and the whole trip will roughly take around 2 hours between the two capitals, whereas the direct flight between the cities takes about 90 minutes. The project is set to be completed in 6 years and is expected to serve 10 million passengers per year, the statement said.
The agreement has been signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the latter’s visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The deal is just the latest in a series of moves marking the significant improvements in ties between the two Gulf countries that have been at odds with each other in recent years.
HH the Amir Arrives in Riyadh. HH was Welcomed Upon Arrival by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Sisterly Kingdom of #Saudi_Arabia. #QNA#Qatarhttps://t.co/bmOY6WkJX9 pic.twitter.com/2h1EJAvpNV
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 8, 2025
Meanwhile, it is worthy to remember that Saudi Arabia had cut its ties with Saudi Arabia and its allies including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt had cut all diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar back in June 2017. These four Gulf nations had accused Qatar of supporting groups such as Muslim Brotherhood and seeking closer ties with Saudi Arabia’s arch-rival Iran.
HRH the Crown Prince and HH the Amir of the State of Qatar co-chaired the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. pic.twitter.com/Teo3HfMoyo
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) December 8, 2025
H.R.H. The Crown Prince and Amir of Qatar witnessed the signing of the Saudi-Qatar High-Speed Railway, set to link Riyadh and Doha in just 2 hours. Completion in 6 years. pic.twitter.com/QMwuWTyENk
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) December 8, 2025
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These allegations, Qatar has denied these allegations vehemently in previous years. Mohammed bin Salman made his first visit to Doha in December 2021 as a part of regional Gulf tour. Since then, both the countries have revived their ties and are seen meeting each other regularly.
Both the countries joined forces to support the diplomatic initiatives to call for the ceasefire in Gaza following two years of Israel’s brutal genocidal war on Palestinians in Gaza. Riyadh also voiced its support for Qatar after Israel attacked its capital Doha in September where it targeted the leaders of Palestinian resistance group Hamas.