Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to establish a high-speed electric rail link between the two countries, connecting Riyadh and Doha via Dammam and Al Ahsa, according to a joint statement issued yesterday at the conclusion of Qatari Amir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to the kingdom.
Both sides described the project as a major strategic initiative aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed at facilitating tourism and trade and strengthening ties between the two nations.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their defence partnership to support regional and international security.
Riyadh and Doha agreed to expand co-operation in digital economy and innovation, industry and mining, youth, sports and culture, education and joint academic programmes, media production and content reliability, cybersecurity and health.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Shaikh Tamim held official talks at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, reviewing bilateral relations and ways to deepen co-operation across multiple sectors.
The statement highlighted strong economic ties between the two nations, noting that bilateral trade reached $930.3 million in 2024 – a 634 per cent increase compared with 2021 – and stressed continued efforts to expand trade, remove barriers and develop joint opportunities in sectors prioritised by both national visions.
Both sides welcomed deeper investment co-operation, increased exchanges between government and private-sector officials and the organisation of business forums.
They also underscored the importance of global energy market stability, ensuring secure supplies and advancing co-operation in electricity, renewable energy, efficiency and joint project development.
They agreed to strengthen energy supply chains and co-ordinate climate policies in international forums, emphasising a focus on emissions rather than energy sources.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar also welcomed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding during the visit covering rail transport, investment promotion, food security, media co-operation and the non-profit sector.
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