Regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to build a high-speed rail link between the two countries, reported SPA.

The announcement came last month (December) after a meeting in Riyadh between HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held under Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

The train link, which will connect King Salman International Airport in Riyadh to Hamad International Airport in Doha, will be a first for the two nations and cut travel time between the two capitals to just two hours.

According to a joint statement, the project is expected to be completed within six years and create 30,000 jobs across the two countries. Once operational, it will carry more than 10 million passengers a year.

The leaders witnessed the signing of the deal between Saudi Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh Al Jasser and Qatar’s Transport Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani at AlYamamah Palace in Riyadh.

The high-speed railway line spans 785 km, strategically connecting the capital cities, Riyadh and Doha, and will pass through key stations including Hofuf and Dammam.

The rail line will form a new artery for rapid and sustainable transportation, improving the regional travel experience with speeds exceeding 300 km per hour, stated the SPA report.

It is seen as a strategic step aimed at enhancing co-operation, developmental integration and sustainable development and demonstrating a shared commitment to regional prosperity.