The Gulf Railway... launches from Kuwait

Bahrain, Manama – Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed that the General Agreement for the GCC Railways Project represents a significant step toward enhancing Gulf integration in the transport sector and organizing the railway transport system. This initiative supports the operation of a railway project linking the GCC states as a single, integrated, interoperable regional network, thereby strengthening connectivity and facilitating transport movement among Gulf countries.

In a statement, the GCC Secretariat General noted that this came on the occasion of Al-Budaiwi’s participation in the signing ceremony of the General Agreement for the GCC Railways Project, held under the patronage of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and attended by the transport and communications ministers of the GCC states, including Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the GCC Railways Project, targeted for completion by the end of 2030, constitutes one of the strategic projects supporting Gulf integration. It will play a vital role in facilitating the movement of passengers and cargo, linking road transport networks with ports and logistics centers, enhancing the efficiency of the Gulf transport system, and boosting its competitiveness.

For her part, Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, affirmed that the General Agreement linking the GCC states through the railway project represents a historic milestone in the journey of joint Gulf cooperation, marking its transition from the planning stage to the implementation commitment stage, in line with the directives of the GCC Heads of State.

Al-Mashaan stated that Kuwait, as the starting point of the project, is committed to implementing its portion in coordination with the Gulf Railway Authority and member states. She clarified that the Kuwaiti segment of the project spans approximately 111 kilometers, extending from the Al-Shadadiya area to Al-Nuwaybisah on the border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For further details: The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2030 and represents one of the strategic projects supporting Gulf integration, given its role in facilitating the movement of passengers and cargo. Signing of the Gulf Railway Agreement.. Kuwait as the starting point

Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, affirmed that the continuous Gulf achievements reflect the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states’ commitment to translating their shared aspirations into strategic projects and pioneering developmental initiatives.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that this statement was made during a meeting between the Bahraini Crown Prince and GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Bedaiwi, along with the heads of delegations participating in the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Transport and Communications, including Bahrain’s Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan.

The agency added that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to support various joint efforts aimed at achieving further qualitative accomplishments for the GCC member states and their citizens, and advancing Gulf cooperation toward more progressive horizons that embody the visions and aspirations of the GCC leaders.

The agency noted that the Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister witnessed the signing ceremony of the General Agreement for Linking the GCC Member States to the Railway Network Project, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council (the Bahrain Summit).

It clarified that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad emphasized the importance of continuing to develop the transport and communications system in the GCC member states, enhancing coordination and joint cooperation in this vital sector to improve transport network efficiency, strengthen interconnection among the member states, and boost the role of the logistics sector, thereby contributing to achieving shared economic and developmental goals.

According to the agency, Prince Salman bin Hamad stressed that the railway project linking the GCC member states holds strategic importance in developing the transport and logistics system, enhancing the flow of trade, and opening broader horizons for promising economic and investment opportunities.

He underscored the importance of continuing to strengthen coordination and cooperation among the GCC member states to ensure steady progress in implementing joint strategic projects, noting that concerted efforts and the exchange of expertise among relevant authorities contribute to achieving desired objectives, bringing prosperity and development to the GCC states and their esteemed citizens.

For his part, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Bedaiwi affirmed that the General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project represents a significant step in enhancing Gulf integration in the transport sector and organizing the rail transport system, thereby supporting the operation of a railway linking the member states as a single, integrated, interoperable regional network. This contributes to strengthening interconnection and facilitating transport movement among the Gulf states.

In his statement, the Secretary-General expressed his sincere gratitude to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council, and to the GCC leaders for their continuous support of the joint Gulf work process and their gracious directives to proceed with strategic projects that benefit the GCC states and their peoples. He also expressed his thanks to the Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister for sponsoring and attending the signing ceremony of the General Agreement for Linking the GCC Member States to the Railway Project.

He praised the continuous efforts made by the relevant teams in the GCC member states and the Gulf Railway Authority to complete this strategic project, emphasizing its importance in supporting the process of joint Gulf integration.

and realizing the aspirations of the peoples of the GCC countries for an integrated and cohesive transport system that enhances economic development and shared prosperity.

In a speech during the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications Committee, held in the Bahraini capital of Manama, chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and attended by members of the GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications Committee, GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi emphasized that strengthening connectivity between transport networks and logistics services in GCC countries constitutes a fundamental pillar for safeguarding Gulf economic security and ensuring the continuity of trade flows and goods movement. He noted that the integration of Gulf capabilities and the diversification of supply routes enhance the GCC countries’ capacity to confront crises and maintain the stability of their markets.

Al-Budaiwi clarified that the rapid transformations witnessed in the region and the world, accompanied by disruptions in maritime routes and rising shipping and insurance costs, have underscored the strategic importance of the transport and logistics sector in supporting market stability, ensuring the continuity of trade, and vital services, as well as the necessity of enhancing GCC coordination to improve response efficiency to these changes.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman for the cooperation, facilitation, and coordination efforts they provided during the period of Iranian aggression, which contributed to providing alternative routes for the movement of goods and commodities and ensuring the continuity of supply chains to other GCC countries. He affirmed that these efforts reflected the depth of Gulf solidarity and translated GCC integration into practical measures supporting economic security and shared interests.

He pointed out that GCC investments in developing land, air, and sea transport sectors, as well as infrastructure and logistics facilities, have contributed to enhancing the efficiency of the transport system and supporting economic activity. He noted that the transport and storage sector in GCC countries achieved real growth of 5.7% in 2025, making it one of the highest-growing non-oil economic activities.

The Secretary-General stressed that the priorities for the coming phase include enhancing integration between transport and logistics systems, diversifying transport and supply routes, and raising the level of preparedness and joint coordination to confront crises, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring the continuous flow of goods and products.

In this context, he referred to the directives of the GCC Heads of State during the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council, held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, to prepare a study to enhance logistical integration among GCC countries, clarifying that the meeting reviews the progress made in preparing this study.

He affirmed that the GCC railway project, targeted for completion by the end of 2030, represents one of the strategic projects supporting Gulf integration, given its role in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods, linking land transport networks with ports and logistics centers, and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the Gulf transport system.

For her part, the Minister of Public Works, Dr.

Noura Al-Mashaan stated that the General Agreement for connecting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the railway project represents a historic milestone in the journey of joint Gulf cooperation, moving it from the planning stage to the stage of executive commitment in line with the directives of the Council’s leaders. This came in a statement Al-Mashaan gave to KUNA following her participation, alongside the heads of delegations from GCC member states, in the signing ceremony of the agreement.

Al-Mashaan further emphasized that the project constitutes a strategic pillar for enhancing economic integration and interconnection among GCC countries, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods, boosting intra-GCC trade, and improving the efficiency of the transport and logistics system, thereby opening broader horizons for cooperation and sustainable development among the Council’s member states.

She noted that Kuwait, as the starting point of the project, is committed to implementing its portion in coordination with the Gulf Railway Organization and member states, clarifying that the Kuwaiti segment of the project spans approximately 111 kilometers from the Al-Shadadiya area to Al-Nuayib on the border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

She stressed the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation among member states and relevant authorities to ensure the integration of project implementation phases and achieve its developmental and economic objectives, thereby strengthening the trajectory of joint Gulf cooperation.

Al-Mashaan praised the role played by the Gulf Railway Organization in monitoring project activities, coordinating among member states, and unifying technical and executive efforts to accelerate progress and achieve integration in the implementation of the Gulf railway network.

Developing the transport and communications sector and upgrading its infrastructure

MANAMA, KUNA – Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and consultation among GCC member states and enhancing joint Gulf cooperation in the fields of transport and communications, contributing to the unification of visions, integration of efforts, and development of the Gulf transport system, while keeping pace with rapid developments in this vital sector.

She affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing the development of the transport and communications sector and upgrading its infrastructure, as well as enhancing cooperation with GCC member states in implementing joint strategic projects that support transport and trade flows and contribute to achieving integration and interconnection among them.

She pointed out that the meeting addressed a number of topics and issues of common interest in the fields of transport and communications, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation and coordination among GCC member states to serve common interests and support the process of Gulf integration.

Bahraini Minister of Transport: Enhancing the readiness and resilience of the transport and logistics system

Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, stressed the necessity of continuing coordination and cooperation among GCC member states, developing joint connectivity projects, and leveraging modern technologies and sustainable transport initiatives to enhance Gulf economic integration and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the transport sector.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening the readiness and resilience of the transport and logistics system, ensuring the continuity of services, and maintaining the smooth flow of passengers, goods, and supply chains. He affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to continuing support for joint Gulf efforts and enhancing cooperation and integration in the transport and communications sector, contributing to realizing the aspirations of GCC member states and their peoples for further development and prosperity.