The GCC Railway Project reached a major milestone on Sunday as six member states signed an agreement advancing regional railway integration. The agreement moves the long-planned initiative closer to implementation and strengthens cooperation across the Gulf.
Bahrain hosted the signing ceremony under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. The event took place alongside the 30th meeting of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Transport and Communications.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi attended alongside transport and communications ministers from across the six member states. Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr Noura Al-Mashaan, also participated in the meeting and signing ceremony.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between member states as they prepare the requirements for implementation. In addition, it assigns an important coordinating role to the GCC Railway Authority.
The authority oversees railway transport regulation and coordinates technical, operational and regulatory standards across participating countries. These common standards aim to connect national networks and support smoother railway operations throughout the region.
The planned network will stretch approximately 2,117 kilometres, connecting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman. Furthermore, it aims to improve passenger and freight transport while strengthening trade links between member states.
Officials expect the network to reduce transportation costs and delivery times, while creating wider investment opportunities. The project could also support growth across logistics, industry, transport and tourism.
The GCC Supreme Council established the railway authority during its 42nd session in 2021. Meanwhile, officials have set the end of 2030 as the target for completing the regional network.
Speaking after the ceremony, Al-Mashaan described the agreement as a historic step for joint Gulf cooperation. She said it turns the directives of GCC leaders into practical commitments between member states.
She also highlighted the network’s potential to improve economic integration and movement of goods and passengers. Moreover, she stressed that continued coordination would help countries align implementation stages and achieve shared development objectives.
Kuwait will serve as the project’s starting point and has committed to completing its designated section. That section will cover approximately 111 kilometres, connecting Al-Shadadiya with Al-Nuwaiseeb near the Saudi border.
Al-Mashaan praised the railway authority for coordinating technical work and supporting progress towards implementation. She also thanked the GCC General Secretariat and Bahrain for their contributions to the agreement.
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, chaired the ministerial meeting. He called for stronger cooperation, improved connectivity and greater use of modern transport technologies.
The ministers also discussed logistics integration, regulatory frameworks and the development of transport services. In addition, they reviewed ongoing initiatives and the work of specialist committees across member states.
Al-Budaiwi stressed that connected transport and logistics networks play an essential role in regional economic security. He explained that stronger links and alternative supply routes can help countries manage disruptions and maintain trade.
He pointed to recent challenges affecting maritime routes, alongside rising shipping and insurance costs. These developments, he said, demonstrate the importance of coordinated Gulf transport planning and resilient supply chains.
Al-Budaiwi also thanked the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman for supporting alternative goods routes during Iranian attacks. Their cooperation helped maintain the movement of commodities and supplies to other GCC countries.
He added that investment in land, air and maritime infrastructure had strengthened regional transport capacity. The transport and storage sector recorded real growth of 5.7 percent across GCC countries during 2025.
Looking ahead, GCC leaders have called for stronger logistics integration and more diversified supply routes. The railway network is expected to connect land transport systems with ports and logistics centres.
Prince Salman reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to supporting joint Gulf initiatives and strengthening regional cooperation. He also highlighted the railway’s potential to expand trade, investment and economic opportunities across member states.
The agreement therefore marks an important step towards a connected regional transport system. However, member states must continue coordinating their work to meet the planned completion deadline in 2030.
