The MEED (Middle East Economic Digest) magazine highlighted the significant role that various transport links, including railways, bridges, and roads, will play in connecting the GCC countries and enhancing cooperation between their markets.
The magazine explained that transport projects designed to link the GCC countries have experienced uneven progress over the years, with periods of focused attention on specific initiatives, followed by stretches of limited advancement. Despite these challenges, the magazine emphasized that these projects are crucial for enhancing trade between the GCC nations. Once completed, they are expected to serve as a significant catalyst for further economic activity.
Since the signing of the Al-Ula agreements in January 2021, Gulf projects have gained renewed momentum. Key plans now include the Gulf Railway Network, the GCC Electricity Interconnection Network, and various road and bridge connections, all of which are in different stages of planning and construction.
Regarding the GCC railway network, GCC leaders agreed in January 2022 to establish a GCC Railways Authority. This body is responsible for setting general policies and coordinating between member states to ensure the smooth implementation and operation of the project.
The railway will span 2,177 kilometers, connecting Kuwait to Bahrain via Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with a bridge linking the two countries. The railway will then extend to Qatar, the UAE, and culminate in Muscat, Oman, passing through Sohar.
There will be 684 kilometers of track in the UAE, 663 kilometers in Saudi Arabia, 306 kilometers in Oman, 283 kilometers in Qatar, 145 kilometers in Kuwait, and 36 kilometers in Bahrain. Passenger trains will travel at speeds of up to 220 kilometers per hour, while freight trains will operate at speeds ranging from 80 to 120 kilometers per hour.
The project is set to make significant progress this year, with the contract for preparing the operational plan study expected to be awarded soon. Sources told MEED that the evaluation process for the contract is in its final stages, and the award is imminent, sources told MEED.
The GCC Secretariat has set 2030 as the target date for the railway project’s operational launch, with several bridges planned to strengthen transport links between the GCC states. After a lull in progress since 2010, Qatar and Bahrain have agreed to resume the $4 billion Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project.
The 40-kilometre-long bridge will connect Bahrain’s eastern coast to northern Qatar, featuring a dual two-lane highway and a railway line integrated into the GCC railway network. Once completed, these transport projects are expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and provide a substantial boost to economic activity.
A second major international crossing, the Saudi Arabia-Bahrain Causeway, is also set to be constructed at a cost of $3.5 billion. This project involves a 25-kilometre road and railway crossing between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, following a similar alignment to the existing King Fahd Causeway. The King Fahd Causeway Authority appointed a consortium in late 2019 to provide transaction advisory services.
Source: Al Anba
