Kuwait makes tangible progress on Gulf railway project
MEED magazine highlights progress in the Gulf railway project and its role in strengthening economic security and regional integration among Gulf states.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
An article published in Middle East magazine stated that regional tensions have added increasing strategic importance to the long-awaited Gulf railway network project, as its objectives have expanded beyond transportation and trade considerations to include enhancing supply security and supply chain resilience by providing alternative routes for cargo transport and linking Gulf markets amid potential risks to ports and land and sea crossings.
The magazine added that these developments do not necessarily indicate that the project is nearing implementation, as it has faced repeated obstacles over the years due to differing national priorities, financing difficulties, and coordination challenges among Gulf states. However, recent moves suggest that several regulatory and technical hurdles hindering its progress are beginning to be addressed, thereby strengthening the prospects of moving from the planning phase to implementation.
It pointed out that the proposed railway bill in Bahrain represents one of the practical steps in this direction, as it establishes a legislative framework to regulate the creation, operation, and maintenance of networks, along with licensing, safety standards, tariffs, and cross-border services. The magazine clarified that harmonizing regulatory and operational rules among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is a fundamental condition for the success of an integrated regional network and ensuring the smooth movement of trains and goods between member countries.
Gulf transport ministers are scheduled to meet in Manama next November, amid expectations that they will discuss the regulatory framework for the regional network.
In the same context, Bahrain is exploring ways to connect its future local network with Saudi Arabia through the proposed King Hamad Bridge project, thereby strengthening land connectivity between the two countries and supporting integration in transport infrastructure.
Technically, Saudi Arabia is proceeding with preparations to implement its portion of the project. The Saudi Railways Organization is expected to appoint an engineering consulting firm to design a route spanning 672 kilometers, linking Al-Khafji near the Kuwaiti border to Al-Batha on the border with the United Arab Emirates. The plans also include launching a separate tender for the design and review of works, a move reflecting a trend toward providing independent oversight of engineering works before tendering construction packages.
The magazine added that the outlines of the Gulf network are gradually becoming clearer through progress in interconnection projects among member states. Kuwait is making progress on its national railway project, which will connect to the Saudi portion of the network. Qatar has approved a railway interconnection agreement with Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE have separately agreed to study the creation of a railway link focused on cargo transport, thereby supporting trade flows between the two countries.
It noted that the 2021 Al-Ula Declaration helped create the necessary political conditions to enhance regional cooperation, while recent security concerns have once again highlighted the economic and strategic importance of the Gulf railway project as a key option for supporting transport and supply security in the region.
The magazine emphasized that Gulf economies still rely heavily on ports, roads, and energy and transport infrastructure networks extending along coastal areas, a structure that may be vulnerable to regional risks and disruptions.
Although railways will not replace these systems, they will provide additional transport capacity and offer broader options for moving essential goods between member countries, thereby enhancing the ability of Gulf economies to cope with emergency disruptions.
The article concluded that completing the 2,186-kilometer Gulf network still requires fundamental decisions regarding financing, construction, and operation. However, the project’s significance has expanded beyond long-term economic integration, now also being linked to emergency plans and economic security for the Gulf states. This shift lends additional political momentum to the project, accelerating the steps needed to transform it into a reality that facilitates trade and mobility while strengthening economic interconnectivity among the Gulf countries.
