Signing of the Gulf Railway Linkage Agreement

In a move to advance the project toward implementation and operation, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries signed the General Agreement for Connecting the GCC States to the Gulf Railway Project in Bahrain yesterday, under the patronage of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with the participation of Gulf transport and communications ministers. This step marks a pivotal milestone in the project’s journey, which aims to connect the six GCC member states, enhancing mobility and commercial exchange among them.

This agreement caps ongoing Gulf coordination efforts aimed at developing the transport and infrastructure system, providing a structured framework for cooperation among member states to complete the project’s implementation requirements in coordination with the Gulf Railway Authority. The Authority plays a central role in regulating the rail transport sector and harmonizing technical and operational standards across GCC states, ensuring the integration of national networks, enhancing their readiness for interconnection and joint operation, and opening broader horizons for economic integration while strengthening the interlinkage of Gulf markets.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince emphasized in a statement that the continuous achievements in joint Gulf work reflect the GCC states’ commitment to translating their shared aspirations into strategic projects and pioneering developmental initiatives. He noted that Bahrain is keen to support various joint efforts that yield further qualitative achievements for GCC countries and their citizens, advancing Gulf cooperation toward more progressive horizons, thereby embodying the visions and aspirations of the GCC leaders.

Prince Salman bin Hamad highlighted the importance of continuing to develop the transport and communications system in GCC states and strengthening coordination and joint cooperation in this vital sector, aiming to enhance the efficiency of transport networks, reinforce interconnection among member states, develop the role of the logistics sector, and contribute to achieving shared economic and developmental goals.

For his part, GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al Budaiwi stressed that enhancing the interconnection of transport networks and logistics services in GCC states constitutes a fundamental pillar for safeguarding Gulf economic security and ensuring the continuity of trade flows and goods movement. He pointed out that the integration of Gulf capabilities and diversification of supply routes strengthen the GCC states’ capacity to confront crises and maintain market stability.

Al Budaiwi, in his speech during the meeting, noted that the rapid transformations witnessed in the region and the world, along with associated 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, and highlighting the necessity of enhancing Gulf coordination to improve responsiveness to these changes.

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, connecting land transport networks with ports and logistics centers, enhancing the efficiency of the Gulf transport system, and boosting its competitiveness.