2018 Could See Gulf Linked with Europe Says Rail Chief

Saad Al Muhannadi told the Middle East Rail Conference in Doha, that Gulf Cooperation Council states could be linked to Europe via Turkey within the next five years.

Access to an integrated rail system would contribute to the development of trade links, with passengers and freight able to travel seamlessly. The Gulf States of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE and Oman are investing heavily in developing state-funded national rail networks which will link up with Jordan, from where Europe is accessible via Turkey. The development will contribute to improving air quality whilst reducing journey times. Cargo will also be able to be imported from East Asian countries via King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, and from Europe and North America via Jeddah Islamic Port.

Saudi Arabia already has its own national railway, which connects up with Jordan, and will be extended north-south and east-west. It will be the only link between the Red Sea and the Gulf. A call for tenders will be issued in 2013 for the link between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

There are plans to set up a GCC Railways Authority from 2014 to oversee and co-ordinate the entire regional project as one.