Traveling between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh might soon take less than five hours by train “in a very comfortable and easy setting,” thanks to the eagerly anticipated GCC Railway.
During the Global Rail 2025 event in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak stated that the railway will revolutionize transportation of people and goods across the region.
He mentioned that containers could be shipped from Oman to Kuwait in under 20 hours, significantly reducing costs and time.
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The Gulf Railway, also known as the GCC Railway, aims to connect the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Its goal is to enhance passenger and freight movement, support trade, foster regional integration, and spur economic growth.
The planned total length is approximately 2,177 km.
According to Malak, the project is not a matter of “if” but “when.” Of the over 5,000 km of planned rail network in the Gulf, more than 4,000 km are already established in Saudi Arabia, and the UAE has about 200 km left to complete. “Rail is not just a UAE project; it is a GCC initiative benefiting every citizen and resident in the region. It’s ambitious, but it is progressing,” he stated.
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Other panelists highlighted the necessity of regional cooperation and unity. Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi, Asyad Group CEO, emphasized the need for the GCC to act together to unlock the full potential of the rail network. “We must collaborate because challenges are intensifying. United, the GCC can develop infrastructure that bolsters trade, growth, and resilience,” he said.
For DP World, rail connectivity is pivotal to minimizing logistics costs and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, noted that GCC trade currently totals around $130 billion, which is 10% of the region’s total trade. “The potential is vast. Studies indicate that logistics costs can be slashed by 30% with rail. This will enhance connectivity between diverse free zones,” he explained.
Hussein Ali Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation in Jordan, remarked that the GCC rail could also serve as a bridge to broader markets. “Connectivity is crucial. The Gulf can significantly link the Far East with Europe and North America,” he said, referencing new partnerships between Etihad Rail and Jordan on freight corridors and industrial hubs.
Speakers concurred that the railway will transform trade routes, create new economic corridors, and offer a sustainable alternative to road transport. As Malak noted, the vision is evident: “It’s a dream for everyone in the GCC, and we are nearing its realization.”
