Gulf countries are choo-choo-choosing a sustainable approach to travel with yet another rail link in development.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Railways Authority with Bahraini transport officials are working on a new rail service that will connect Bahrain to Saudi Arabia and then the wider GCC railway network.
The Bahrain to Saudi Arabia rail project was first announced some 11 years ago, when the GCC revealed plans for a wider US$250 billion rail project to connect all six Gulf countries. This includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Initially, the wider network was expected to commence operations in 2025, however development of all the links have moved at a slow pace due to the extent of planning and financing.
Between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, progress has been made with planning and once complete developers will construct a 25km railway from Saudi’s Dammam to Bahrain’s Khalifa bin Salman Port. Once in Bahrain, the train will pass through Bahrain International Airport and Amwaj Island before travelling out to Qatar.
Other areas of the rail network making progress are the links between Sohar, Oman and Abu Dhabi and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia which recently received approval for construction.
Once complete, the GCC expects the wider rail network to simplify travel between all six countries while also create economic opportunities through new jobs and economic growth. The countries also expect the network to provide a fast and environmentally friendly mode of transport for holidaymakers, business travellers and cargo.
Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s highly anticipated Riyadh Metro will commence operations in the second half of this year. The news was confirmed by Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services. The new public transport network will create an interconnected city with six metro lines and 84 metro stations, and will have the capacity to transport 1.7 million passengers daily.
Dubai is also stepping up its metro rail game, announcing plans to expand operations by extending operating hours to accommodate residents returning from their summer break. Dubai Metro will now operate for longer hours both during the week and on the weekend.
Meanwhile, works on Hafeet Rail will be commencing for the construction of the transformative railway link between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
