Proposed GCC Railway Master Plan (High-Level Network Map)
Published: 12 December 2025 | By Calm Gulf Life Blog
The Gulf Railway Project—also called the GCC Railway—is one of the largest and most transformative infrastructure projects in Middle Eastern history. This unified railway network aims to connect all six GCC countries with high-speed passenger services and efficient freight corridors. The project will reshape travel, trade, job creation, and economic cooperation across the Gulf.
What Is the Gulf Railway Project?
The Gulf Railway Project is a regional railway network exceeding 2,100 km in length. It will connect Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and Oman through a modern, fast, and secure rail line capable of carrying both passengers and goods. Once completed, the GCC will become one of the most interconnected regions in the world.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Network length: Over 2,100 km across six countries.
- High-speed passenger trains: 200–300 km/h.
- Freight services: 80–120 km/h, optimized for heavy cargo.
- Direct cross-border links reduce travel time significantly.
- Full regional connection expected by 2030.
- Designed to support economic diversification and GCC Vision 2030 goals.
Why This Project Matters to the GCC?
The Gulf Railway will bring huge changes in mobility and trade. It will offer quicker, safer, and more sustainable transportation. For everyday passengers, the railway means faster journeys between Gulf cities. For industries, it reduces logistical costs, enables smoother cargo movement, and strengthens regional supply chains.
- Travel between GCC countries becomes faster and cheaper.
- Airports, seaports, and industrial zones will be interconnected.
- Massive boost to tourism, jobs, and regional trade.
- Supports long-term environmental and sustainability goals.
Detailed Country-by-Country Route Breakdown
Explore how each GCC country fits into the Gulf Railway network, including major stations, cross-border links, and key benefits for residents, businesses, and tourists.
🇰🇼 Kuwait
Kuwait’s railway section begins at Al-Shadadiya near Kuwait City and links directly to northern Saudi Arabia. It provides fast travel options to Riyadh, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and Oman via Saudi connections.
- Start Point: Al-Shadadiya
- Passenger Travel Time to Riyadh: Under 3 hours
- Construction Phase: 2026–2028
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the central hub of the Gulf Railway, linking all GCC countries with a robust transit corridor.
- Saudi → Qatar: Riyadh to Doha high-speed link
- Saudi → Bahrain: New King Hamad Causeway railway line
- Saudi → UAE: Link via Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
- Saudi → Kuwait: Northern railway connection
🇧🇭 Bahrain
Bahrain is a strategic island connector, linking Saudi Arabia to Qatar. The railway will integrate with the King Fahd Causeway and the planned King Hamad Causeway, enhancing both passenger and freight mobility.
- Main Route: Bahrain – Saudi Arabia via King Fahd & King Hamad Causeway
- Domestic Line: Manama ➝ Industrial Belt ➝ Bahrain Metro Integration
- Purpose: Boost trade, reduce road congestion, strengthen regional connectivity
- Benefit for Expats: Faster weekend travel to Saudi, Qatar, and UAE
🇶🇦 Qatar
Qatar is a key Gulf Railway partner. Despite some delays, plans are being finalized to integrate Qatar fully into the GCC rail network.
- Main Route: Qatar ➝ Bahrain ➝ Saudi Arabia
- Future Extension: Qatar ➝ UAE (via Saudi Arabia)
- Key Stations: Doha Central, Lusail, Hamad Port Industrial Zone
- Major Benefit: Supports FIFA 2030 events, tourism, and cross-border travel
High-speed trains will connect Doha to Manama in less than 1 hour, creating convenient travel options for citizens and expatriates.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s Etihad Rail forms a critical link within the GCC Railway, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and northern emirates with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
- Etihad Rail passenger services expected by 2026
- UAE–Oman connection: 238 km Hafeet Rail
🇴🇲 Oman
Oman joins the Gulf Railway through a direct line connecting Sohar to Al Ain in the UAE, enabling fast access to Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC network. The railway facilitates passenger travel, freight movement, and industrial connectivity.
- Main Route: Sohar ➝ Al Ain ➝ UAE ➝ Saudi Arabia
- Passenger Services: Comfortable high-speed trains reduce travel time between Muscat and the UAE border
- Freight Services: Efficient transport of industrial goods, oil, and agricultural exports
- Economic Impact: Enhances trade, tourism, and cross-border business opportunities
- Future Expansion: Potential links to Salalah and southern Oman to fully integrate with the GCC network
Concept image of future GCC high-speed passenger trains
GCC Railway – Country Overview
| Country | Key Route | Passenger Travel | Freight / Cargo | Major Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | Al-Shadadiya ➝ Saudi Arabia | < 3 hours to Riyadh | Limited industrial transport | Faster cross-border travel |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | Central hub: Riyadh ➝ Qatar / Bahrain / UAE / Kuwait | High-speed passenger trains 200–300 km/h | Industrial goods & freight corridors | Main GCC transit corridor |
| 🇧🇭 Bahrain | Bahrain ➝ Saudi Arabia via King Fahd & King Hamad Causeway | Quick cross-border access | Cargo transport between ports | Boosts trade & connectivity |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | Doha ➝ Bahrain ➝ Saudi Arabia | High-speed service to Manama < 1 hour | Industrial and port cargo | Supports tourism & FIFA 2030 |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Abu Dhabi / Dubai ➝ Saudi Arabia ➝ Oman | Etihad Rail passenger service 2026 | Hafeet Rail: 238 km freight route | Urban & cross-border mobility |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | Sohar ➝ Al Ain ➝ UAE ➝ Saudi Arabia | High-speed trains Muscat ↔ UAE border | Industrial goods, oil, agricultural exports | Enhances trade, tourism, cross-border business |
💬 Share this table with friends and comment below: Which GCC route are you most excited to try first?
Who Will Benefit the Most?
The railway benefits everyone in the region—daily travelers, tourists, students, businesses, industrial companies, and logistics operators. Ports and airports will be directly linked, allowing faster movement of goods.
Final Thoughts
The Gulf Railway Project is more than a transport system—it is a new chapter for regional unity. With its advanced design and ambitious goals, the railway will bring the Gulf countries closer than ever before. The full network may take a few more years, but once complete, it will redefine how people travel and how businesses operate across the Middle East.
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