In a major push to enhance regional transportation and economic integration, Kuwait has signed a 2.5 million Kuwaiti dinar ($8.1 million) contract with Turkish engineering consultancy firm Proyapi to design its section of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Railway Network. This agreement marks a crucial step toward turning the long-anticipated Gulf Railway Project into reality—an initiative first envisioned over a decade ago.
This landmark deal not only brings Kuwait closer to connecting with its Gulf neighbors via a high-speed rail line but also reinforces its commitment to a shared vision of growth and unity across the region.
A Unified Vision: Connecting the Gulf Through Rail
The Gulf Railway Project, also known as the GCC Railway, is one of the most ambitious infrastructure plans in the Middle East. Stretching across 2,177 kilometers, it is designed to connect the six GCC member states—Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman—with a modern railway system that enables smooth transportation of both passengers and goods.
The railway is expected to link Kuwait City in the north to Muscat, the capital of Oman, in the south. Along the way, it will pass through key regional hubs, enhancing trade routes, tourism, and labor mobility across the Gulf.
Kuwait’s role in the project is pivotal as it marks the northernmost point of the network. Its participation reflects the country’s strategic interest in fostering regional cohesion and ensuring seamless integration into this critical transportation corridor.
Kuwait’s Segment: Strategic Design and Engineering
According to the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait’s railway segment will span 111 kilometers, beginning from Al-Shadadiya—a growing urban area near Kuwait City—down to Al-Nuwaiseeb, a key border crossing with Saudi Arabia.
As part of the contract, Proyapi will conduct soil tests, land surveys, route planning, and prepare technical documentation for the upcoming construction phase. Notably, a major train station will be developed in Al-Shadadiya on a massive 2 million square meter site, poised to become a significant regional transport hub once operational.
This contract covers the first phase of Kuwait’s involvement, with further stages anticipated as construction progresses.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
The signing of the agreement was attended by Turkey’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez, underscoring the growing cooperation between the two nations. It also reflects Kuwait’s confidence in Turkish engineering expertise, especially in large-scale infrastructure development.
Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan emphasized that the project embodies the collective vision of GCC leaders to develop a unified transport system. She highlighted that it aligns with national and regional goals for sustainable development, logistics efficiency, and economic diversification.
Momentum Building Across the Gulf
While Kuwait has just begun its official planning phase, other GCC countries are already making visible progress. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are leading the charge, with major construction activities underway.
In April 2024, Hafeet Rail launched a groundbreaking project to link Sohar Port in Oman to Abu Dhabi in the UAE. This 238-kilometer railway is the first cross-border connection within the GCC railway network and is being touted as a breakthrough for regional logistics.
Once complete, passenger trains will travel the Sohar-Abu Dhabi route in just 100 minutes, dramatically cutting travel time and improving connectivity between two major Gulf economies.
Saudi Arabia, too, has invested heavily in rail infrastructure, including links between Dammam and Riyadh, and is poised to play a central role in the broader GCC network.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact
Experts believe the Gulf Railway Project will be transformational for the region. By connecting major cities and ports, it will make freight transportation faster, cheaper, and more sustainable. It will also reduce dependence on trucks and long-haul road transport, leading to less traffic congestion, lower emissions, and reduced road maintenance costs.
Speaking on the benefits, Ahmed Al-Saleh, Assistant Undersecretary for Planning and Development at Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works, said the railway will be a “cornerstone” in the region’s strategy for economic integration. He added that the project will not only support trade and tourism but will also generate jobs, boost logistics hubs, and spur real estate and industrial development near train stations.
With oil-rich economies seeking to diversify and reduce their reliance on hydrocarbons, infrastructure projects like this are crucial for long-term growth.
Targeting 2030: A Common Goal
During the 26th GCC transport ministers meeting held in Doha in November 2024, ministers from member states renewed their commitment to completing the project by 2030. They acknowledged the challenges of synchronizing such a large-scale initiative across six sovereign countries but expressed confidence in hitting the target.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi called the Oman-UAE rail link a “key milestone,” adding that the project’s momentum would accelerate as more segments are finalized.
Al-Budaiwi said the Gulf Railway would become a symbol of unity, capable of unlocking a new era of shared prosperity, mobility, and cooperation in the region.
Looking Ahead: From Blueprint to Reality
With the signing of this latest contract, Kuwait is transitioning from the planning table to the execution stage. Once design work is completed, tenders for construction will be issued, bringing the vision of a connected Gulf closer to reality.
The Gulf Railway is more than just a transport project—it’s a strategic investment in the future of the region. As infrastructure development gathers pace, the dream of hopping on a train in Kuwait and arriving in Muscat or Riyadh could soon be a reality for millions.
For now, all eyes are on Kuwait and Proyapi as they lay the foundations for what could be one of the most transformative infrastructure ventures in the modern Middle East.
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