The case for a Gulf railway has never been stronger

The case for a Gulf railway has never been stronger, as a recent milestone agreement in Bahrain presents an opportunity to transform a regional ambition into reality. The six Gulf countries, united by language, history, and family ties, have long envisioned a rail connection that would link them all, from Oman to Kuwait. This ambitious 2,100-kilometre network, aimed at completion by 2030, represents a significant investment in the region's long-term economic security.

The railway's significance has increased, particularly in light of Iran's attacks on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the need for diversified transport and logistics networks. A connected rail network would provide an additional layer of resilience, enabling goods to move between countries by land, and strengthen links between ports, industrial centers, and markets.

While construction costs and convincing freight operators of the commercially attractive nature of rail transport pose challenges, governments may need to provide substantial support to make services viable. Overcoming technical standard, customs procedure, border control, operating arrangement, and ticketing system agreements across six jurisdictions will require considerable effort.

However, the UAE's successful national rail infrastructure via Etihad Rail and the 238-kilometre Hafeet Rail project with Oman demonstrate that cross-border connections are feasible. The Gulf railway gains renewed importance in the context of the Iran war, and prominent figures have emphasized the need for closer cooperation in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

This project offers a tangible way to translate these ambitions into action. The railway's benefits extend beyond transport, and its success will determine whether the GCC can turn a shared vision into shared infrastructure.