The Cabinet approves the high-speed electric train project between Saudi Arabia and Qatar
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, chaired the Cabinet meeting held today in the capital, Riyadh, which witnessed the issuance of a number of strategic decisions that serve the interests of the nation and the citizen, and enhance the Kingdom’s position regionally and internationally.
High-speed electric train project: A new artery linking Riyadh and Doha
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and the shared desire to enhance economic integration, the Cabinet approved the high-speed electric train that will link the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar. This massive project is part of a broader strategic vision to connect the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with a state-of-the-art railway network.
This project is of paramount importance, going beyond mere geographical connection, as it is expected to bring about a qualitative shift in the movement of people between the two countries, thus contributing to:
- Enhancing tourism mobility: Facilitating access for visitors and tourists between the two countries, which supports the tourism sector, one of the pillars of Vision 2030.
- Supporting trade exchange: accelerating the movement of goods and services, which raises trade exchange rates and creates promising investment opportunities.
- Logistics integration: Strengthening the region’s logistics infrastructure, making it a global hub for connecting continents.
Strengthening diplomatic and political relations
The Council reviewed the outcomes of the meetings of the Saudi-Bahraini and Saudi-Qatari Coordination Councils, commending the signed agreements that open new horizons for development cooperation. On the regional level, the Cabinet welcomed the United States' decision to lift sanctions on Syria, appreciating President Donald Trump's positive role in this regard, and reaffirming the Kingdom's steadfast position in support of regional stability and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Global leadership in digital transformation and artificial intelligence
On the domestic front, the Council highlighted the Kingdom's global achievements, noting its ranking second globally in the World Bank Group's 2025 Digital Government Index. It also ranked fifth globally and first in the Arab world in the growth of its artificial intelligence sector.
These figures reflect the success of the Kingdom's strategies in:
- Developing an advanced digital infrastructure that serves citizens and residents.
- Supporting innovation and modern technologies as a pillar of the national economy.
- Achieving efficiency in government spending and speed of completion.
Learning Cities and Made in Saudi Arabia
The Council commended the inclusion of Riyadh, Al-Ula, and Riyadh Al-Khabra in UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities, affirming the Kingdom's commitment to creating a sustainable learning environment. It also praised the success of the "Made in Saudi Arabia 2025" exhibition, which enhances the competitiveness of Saudi products in global markets.
International resolutions and agreements
The Council concluded its session by approving a package of resolutions and memoranda, including authorizing ministers to discuss with their counterparts in countries such as Uzbekistan, Spain, Singapore, and Japan in security, judicial, and cultural fields, in addition to approving unified rules for enabling persons with disabilities in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
