On 8 November 2026, the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed the General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project in Bahrain, marking an important step towards an integrated regional passenger and freight railway network.
The agreement establishes a framework for coordinating implementation, technical standards, safety requirements and railway operations across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
According to the GCC Railways Authority, the network currently has a published length of approximately 1,768 kilometres, with overall project progress reaching 55.92%. Full network operation is targeted for the end of 2030.
The project is expected to improve cross-border transportation, strengthen connections between industrial and logistics centres, and support regional trade.
For international engineering contractors, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers and technical service providers, the development of the GCC Railway is an important regional infrastructure programme to follow.
1. GCC Railway Project: Key Facts
The GCC Railway Project aims to connect the national railway networks of all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries through an interoperable regional system.
The project was approved by the GCC Supreme Council in December 2009. In December 2021, the GCC decided to establish the GCC Railways Authority to coordinate implementation and integration between member states.
The GCC Railways Authority currently publishes the following project parameters:
| Project information | Published details |
|---|---|
| Project name | GCC Railway Project |
| Participating countries | Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Oman |
| Network length | Approximately 1,768 km |
| Overall project progress | 55.92%, reported in November 2026 |
| Passenger train speed | 200 km/h |
| Freight train speed | 80–120 km/h |
| Signalling | European railway signalling system, Level 2 |
| Target for full operation | December 2030 |
| Regional coordinating body | GCC Railways Authority |
The railway is designed to accommodate both passenger and freight transport.
Individual national sections are being developed under different implementation schedules. Connections between neighbouring countries may begin operating as they are completed.
Source: GCC Railways Authority, project information and announcement dated 8 November 2026.
2. What Does the November 2026 Agreement Cover?
The General Agreement was signed in Bahrain during the GCC transport ministers' meeting on 8 November 2026.
According to Qatar's Ministry of Transport, it establishes arrangements for coordination between member states and the GCC Railways Authority, covering:
- National responsibilities and implementation schedules
- Common technical and operational standards
- Railway safety and interoperability requirements
- Integration between national railway networks
- Coordination of future railway operations
The agreement represents an important step towards moving from individual national railway projects to a connected regional transportation system.
For railway engineering and construction, common technical requirements are particularly relevant to infrastructure interfaces, signalling, communications, rolling stock compatibility and long-term maintenance.
3. GCC Railway Construction Progress by Country
The six participating countries have different railway development histories, existing infrastructure and project implementation arrangements.
Kuwait: 111 km Railway Connection Under Design
Kuwait is developing the GCC component of its national railway network, connecting the Shadadiya area with the Saudi Arabian border.
The initial section is approximately 111 km and is planned for both passenger and freight services.
The Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport (PART) is responsible for the project, with Proyapı Engineering and Consultancy undertaking the design consultancy.
The design agreement was signed in April 2025. The concept design stage was approved in September 2025, followed by capital and operating expenditure studies and detailed design.
The published project scope includes railway alignment, stations, freight facilities, maintenance infrastructure and railway systems.
These activities provide an important foundation for Kuwait's future railway construction programme.
Saudi Arabia: Approximately 672 km of Regional Railway Design
Saudi Arabia forms the central geographical connection within the GCC Railway network.
In 2026, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) advanced design consultancy procurement for approximately 672 km of railway infrastructure.
The proposed corridor extends from the Al-Khafji area near Kuwait towards Al-Batha at the UAE border, with connections to other GCC countries.
Industry publication MEED reported that SAR issued a design consultancy tender in May 2026, followed by a separate design management and review consultancy request in September.
The design work covers railway alignment, engineering design, technical coordination and preparation for subsequent construction activities.
Saudi Arabia's section is particularly relevant to large-scale railway civil works, including earthworks, bridges, drainage infrastructure, track construction and railway systems.
Bahrain: Railway Connection with Saudi Arabia
Bahrain plans to connect its railway network with Saudi Arabia through the proposed King Hamad Causeway corridor.
According to Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, the planned railway connection extends approximately 57 km, linking the proposed King Hamad International Railway Station in the Ramli area with Dammam in Saudi Arabia.
The corridor is planned to accommodate both road and rail transportation.
The associated development includes passenger facilities, freight handling infrastructure and potential connections to Bahrain's planned metro system.
On 8 November 2026, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also signed a railway cooperation memorandum of understanding, supporting further technical and institutional coordination.
The project remains an important development to monitor for future cross-border railway and associated infrastructure activities.
Qatar: Passenger and Freight Railway Connections
Qatar is participating in the regional railway programme while developing its own long-term transport infrastructure plans.
The country's Transportation Master Plan identifies potential passenger railway connections between Doha and the Saudi Arabian border, together with freight railway links serving Hamad Port and industrial areas.
The programme forms part of Qatar's broader strategy to connect national transport infrastructure with international gateways and regional logistics networks.
Future development of these connections may involve railway infrastructure, freight terminals, track systems, signalling, engineering consulting and related technical services.
United Arab Emirates: An Operational National Railway Network
The UAE has already established a substantial national railway system.
Etihad Rail's nationwide freight services have been operational since 2023, connecting major industrial and logistics locations across the country.
The UAE railway network provides an important foundation for regional rail integration.
The UAE is also working with Oman on the Hafeet Rail project, which is intended to connect the UAE national railway network with Sohar in Oman.
The combination of operational national infrastructure and new cross-border railway development illustrates the different stages of implementation within the wider GCC railway programme.
Oman: Hafeet Rail Cross-Border Construction
One of the region's most significant ongoing cross-border railway developments is Hafeet Rail, connecting Oman and the UAE.
The approximately 238-km railway is being developed by a joint venture involving Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment.
The route connects the Al Ain area in the UAE with Al Buraimi and Sohar in Oman, passing through mountainous terrain, valleys and industrial areas.
In April 2026, Hafeet Rail reported 40% overall construction completion.
The same announcement disclosed substantial engineering progress, including:
- More than 27 million cubic metres of earthworks completed
- More than 100,000 cubic metres of concrete works
- 80 major structures at different stages of construction
- Approximately 900 concrete piles and 130 box culverts
- Tunnel excavation, bridge construction and flood protection works
The project demonstrates the range of civil engineering technologies involved in developing railway infrastructure across challenging terrain.
Its principal civil engineering and railway systems contracts were awarded in 2024, with specialised engineering companies involved in construction, systems installation and project consulting.
4. Engineering Technologies and Supply-Chain Areas
The GCC Railway programme combines new railway construction, national network integration and long-term operating requirements.
The technical requirements vary across countries and individual project sections. Several engineering disciplines are particularly relevant to the overall development.
Earthworks and Geotechnical Engineering
Railway construction across desert, coastal and mountainous environments requires suitable subgrade preparation, ground treatment and drainage solutions.
Relevant engineering activities include site investigation, foundation engineering, soil improvement, embankment construction, slope protection and ground monitoring.
Bridges, Tunnels and Drainage Infrastructure
Railway corridors may require bridges, viaducts, culverts, underpasses and tunnel structures, depending on their alignment and local conditions.
The Hafeet Rail project provides an example of major bridge, tunnel and flood protection works within the region.
Engineering capabilities in piling, structural construction, concrete technology, waterproofing and geotechnical monitoring are relevant to these types of infrastructure.
Railway Track and Construction Equipment
Track construction involves specialised machinery, materials and installation technologies.
Relevant areas include rail components, sleepers, fastening systems, turnouts, track construction equipment, welding, inspection and maintenance technology.
Signalling, Communications and Control Systems
The integration of national railway networks requires compatible technical and operating systems.
Relevant technologies include railway signalling, train control, telecommunications, fibre-optic networks, operational monitoring and system integration.
Stations, Freight Terminals and Logistics Infrastructure
The GCC Railway aims to support both passenger travel and regional freight transportation.
Stations, freight yards, maintenance depots and logistics facilities are important components of a railway network.
Associated engineering activities may include civil construction, mechanical and electrical systems, cargo-handling equipment, industrial facilities and operational support services.
Engineering Testing, Monitoring and Maintenance
Railway assets require testing, inspection, condition monitoring and maintenance throughout construction and operation.
These activities may involve structural health monitoring, geotechnical instrumentation, deformation measurement, infrastructure inspection and specialised maintenance equipment.
5. Procurement and Project Information
Railway planning, construction and procurement activities are managed through the relevant national authorities, railway companies and project organisations.
Companies following the GCC Railway programme can consult the information published by the principal organisations involved.
Regional coordination: GCC Railways Authority provides project information and updates on regional implementation.
Kuwait: Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport, Central Agency for Public Tenders, and the Kuwait National Rail Road design consultancy project.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia Railways, including its supplier and procurement information channels.
Bahrain: Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Tender Board.
Qatar: Ministry of Transport and the government procurement platform Monaqasat.
United Arab Emirates: Etihad Rail and its supplier information resources.
Oman: Relevant national procurement platforms and railway project organisations.
Engineering companies can follow the development of individual projects, technical requirements and future procurement arrangements through these sources.
6. GCC Railway Project: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GCC Railway Project?
The GCC Railway Project is a planned regional passenger and freight railway network connecting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It aims to improve cross-border transport, logistics and economic connectivity among the six countries.
How long is the GCC Railway network?
The GCC Railways Authority currently publishes a network length of approximately 1,768 km. Earlier project publications have used different route-length figures.
When is the GCC Railway expected to be completed?
The GCC countries have set December 2030 as the target for full network operation. Individual cross-border connections may begin operating earlier as construction is completed.
What engineering sectors are relevant to GCC railway development?
Relevant sectors include railway earthworks, geotechnical engineering, bridges, tunnels, track systems, signalling, telecommunications, freight terminals, construction equipment, engineering testing and infrastructure maintenance.
7. EngiFind Perspective: Connecting Infrastructure Development with Engineering Capabilities
The GCC Railway Project illustrates how large infrastructure programmes depend on the integration of many engineering disciplines, technologies and supply-chain capabilities.
Each national railway project involves different requirements for planning, design, construction, equipment supply and long-term operation.
For international engineering companies, understanding these project developments is an important part of identifying relevant markets and potential business relationships.
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The platform provides structured information on engineering companies and their technical capabilities, supporting international visibility, supplier discovery and professional connections.
Through EngiFind Insights, we also share selected international infrastructure developments and engineering industry information.
As the GCC Railway programme advances towards its 2030 target, EngiFind will continue following developments in the region.
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Sources and Further Reading
- GCC Railways Authority — GCC Railway Project Overview
- GCC Railways Authority — GCC Transport Ministers' Meeting, 8 November 2026
- Qatar Ministry of Transport — General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project
- Kuwait National Rail Road — GCC Component and Design Progress
- Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications — GCC Railway
- Etihad Rail — Hafeet Rail Construction Progress, April 2026
- Oman Foreign Ministry — Hafeet Rail Engineering Consultancy and Contracts
- MEED — Saudi Arabia's GCC Railway Design Consultancy, July 2026
- Bahrain Ministry of Transportation — Saudi Arabia–Bahrain Railway Cooperation, November 2026
- Qatar Ministry of Transport — Transportation Master Plan for Qatar 2050
Information reviewed as of 11 November 2026. Prepared by EngiFind from publicly available government, railway authority, project owner and industry sources.