Bahrain expects landmark railway deal linking six Gulf states to be signed Sunday

Dubai: Bahrain expects the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to sign a landmark agreement on Sunday, November 8, to advance a railway network connecting the region from Kuwait to Oman, the kingdom's transport minister has announced.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, told The National that the agreement could be signed during a meeting of GCC transport ministers in Manama, following extensive coordination among member states.

He said the proposed agreement is one of the most significant steps towards implementing the long-awaited Gulf railway project.

The minister explained that the six countries had reached a broad consensus on developing an integrated rail network, expressing hope that the agreement would be formally signed in Bahrain.

He also highlighted the growing urgency of improving regional transport connections following recent crises that have disrupted supply chains and international shipping routes.

2,100km network from Kuwait to Oman

The GCC railway project aims to establish an approximately 2,100-kilometre network connecting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

Designed to carry both passengers and freight, the railway is expected to facilitate travel between Gulf cities, reduce transport costs and strengthen trade and economic integration across the six countries.

First proposed more than a decade ago, the network is scheduled for completion by 2030, although individual countries are progressing with their sections at different stages.

The UAE has already established its national railway network, while work is advancing on a cross-border connection with Oman through the Hafeet Rail project.

The 238-kilometre line will connect Abu Dhabi with the Omani port city of Sohar through Al Ain and Al Buraimi, providing a new corridor for passenger and freight transport.

Trial operations on the UAE-Oman railway are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Bahrain-Saudi railway link

For Bahrain, joining the Gulf railway network will depend on the proposed King Hamad Causeway, a new connection with Saudi Arabia designed to accommodate both road traffic and trains.

The project would provide Bahrain with direct railway access to Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC network, strengthening its connections to regional ports, markets and transport corridors.

Sheikh Abdulla confirmed that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were working towards developing the railway connection between the two countries.

The GCC Railways Authority, headquartered in Riyadh, is coordinating with member states to harmonise technical specifications, provide technical support and oversee progress towards the planned completion date.

The anticipated signing follows the GCC Supreme Council's approval of the general railway agreement in December 2025.

Bahrain's Cabinet also approved a draft law to ratify the agreement on November 2, 2026, part of preparations to advance the long-awaited regional transport network.