Gulf rail link agreement: A pivotal step to enhance integration among GCC states

From Khaloud Al-Ansari, Manama – 8 November (KUNA) – The Kingdom of Bahrain is witnessing today, Sunday, the signing of the general agreement to connect the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the (Gulf Railway) project. This step, involving the participation of Gulf transport and communications ministers, marks a pivotal milestone in the project’s progress, which aims to link the six GCC member states and enhance mobility and trade exchanges among them.

This agreement caps off coordinated Gulf efforts aimed at developing the transport system and infrastructure, establishing an organized 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 frameworks and standards among GCC countries, ensuring the integration of national networks, enhancing their readiness for interconnection and joint operation, opening broader horizons for economic integration, and strengthening the interlinkage of Gulf markets.

Within the framework of efforts to advance the project toward implementation and operation, the (Gulf Railway Authority) was established by decision of the (Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council) at its 42nd session in 2021. It is tasked with regulating the rail transport industry, coordinating among member states, and monitoring the implementation and operation of the (Gulf Railway) project as an integrated regional network capable of interoperability. The Authority plays a pivotal role in unifying the regulatory, legislative, technical, and operational frameworks for the project and setting common policies and standards, ensuring the compatibility of national networks, enhancing operational efficiency, and guaranteeing the safety of passenger and freight transport between GCC countries.

The (Gulf Railway) project aims to create an integrated railway network spanning approximately 2,117 kilometers, linking the six Gulf states: starting from the State of Kuwait, passing through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and ending in the Sultanate of Oman, forming a land transport artery among GCC countries.

The project’s significance extends beyond providing a modern means of transport for passengers and goods; it aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the Gulf transport and logistics system by facilitating the movement of people and goods, enhancing the flow of intra-regional trade, and reducing the time and costs associated with transport and shipping operations. Furthermore, the railway link is expected to boost trade exchanges among GCC countries, open broader horizons for investment in transport, industry, logistics, and tourism sectors, support supply chains, and enhance the capacity of these countries’ economies to keep pace with regional and international economic and trade developments.

The project gains additional importance amid regional developments and changes that necessitate strengthening the interconnection of infrastructure and land and sea ports, and providing multiple transport options that contribute to sustaining trade and supply flows and improving the efficiency of the regional transport system.

The Gulf Railway network represents a crucial step toward enhancing the six countries’ connection to a regional transport network and expanding linking options with their markets. The signing of the agreement also reflects the importance of joint Gulf coordination in implementing strategic infrastructure projects and unifying the regulatory frameworks governing them, thereby supporting the path toward economic integration and opening wider horizons for cooperation in the transport and communications sector.

Overall, the project embodies a Gulf trend toward building an integrated transport system whose benefits extend beyond facilitating mobility to enhancing economic competitiveness, supporting sustainable development, and consolidating the foundations of integration among GCC countries, serving the interests of their peoples and future generations. (End) K.N.A. / A.B.K.