The GCC Rail Renaissance – Building a Connected, Sustainable Future - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info

3 days ago

The Gulf region is undergoing a transformative rail boom, with major infrastructure projects gaining momentum.
By David Franks – Managing Director, Keolis MHI
Dubai, UAE – 24th July 2025:The Gulf region is undergoing a rail revolution. With billions invested into new railway corridors, the GCC is writing a new chapter in transportation, one that connects economies, enables sustainable growth, and enhances the way people move across borders.
Projects like Etihad Rail in the UAE, the Hafeet Rail link with Oman, and Saudi Arabia's Landbridge are setting the pace for regional integration. These developments are turning long-standing visions of seamless movement between cities, ports, and countries into reality. The upcoming 2,177-kilometer GCC Railway stands as a symbol of unity and ambition, ready to connect 6 nations and unlock the full potential of cross-border travel and trade.
The shift toward rail is creating real momentum for national and regional goals. Rail is among the most environmentally efficient modes of transport, supporting the transition to lower carbon mobility. The region is embracing innovation, evident in Saudi Arabia's successful hydrogen-powered train trial, the first of its kind in the Middle East. This achievement highlights the GCC's ability to lead on clean technology and align transport systems with future energy strategies. The GCC is not just keeping pace; it's poised to become a global model for sustainable rail innovation.
Technological advancement is at the heart of this transformation. Modern rail networks are powered by data, automation, and intelligent systems. Predictive maintenance, AI-enhanced operations, smart ticketing, and real-time customer updates are raising the bar across every touchpoint of the passenger journey. Rail operators today are expected to deliver speed, comfort, safety, and sustainability, all within a single, seamless experience.
Keolis MHI is proud to be part of this evolution. With deep expertise gained from operating complex rail systems across four continents, we are bringing global best practices into the Gulf. Our work demonstrates how operational excellence, safety, and innovation can work hand in hand to meet the expectations of modern cities. Our global experience positions us as a strong partner for emerging rail projects across the region, where knowledge transfer, advanced systems, and local capacity-building are essential.
Our role extends beyond daily operations. We contribute to building smart, connected cities. By supporting national priorities like Emiratisation, investing in local talent, and improving last-mile connectivity, we help create transport ecosystems that improve quality of life. Innovation at Keolis MHI is grounded in impact, how we serve communities, enable access, and shape sustainable futures.
Strong public-private collaboration is essential to turn these large-scale rail projects into long-term successes. Governments and operators must work side-by-side to ensure infrastructure delivery is efficient, resilient, and aligned with public needs. The GCC's commitment to fostering such partnerships creates the right conditions for growth, performance, and accountability.
The regional rail boom is laying the foundation for the next era of transportation in the Middle East. This is a defining moment. With the right partnerships, innovative thinking, and shared vision, the GCC has the opportunity to become a global leader in rail. At Keolis MHI, we are ready to move forward, bringing experience, agility, and a future-focused mindset to every project we support.
Key Reference Etihad Rail (UAE): Stage Two operations commenced in February 2023, extending the network to 900 km. While freight services are operational, passenger services are yet to be scheduled. Link 1, Link 2.
Hafeet Rail (UAE–Oman): A $3 billion joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala, aiming to connect Abu Dhabi and Sohar with a 303 km line. Link 1, Link 2.
Saudi Landbridge Project: A planned 950 km freight line linking Jeddah to Riyadh, with an additional 115 km line connecting Dammam to Jubail, enhancing east-west connectivity in Saudi Arabia. Link 1, Link 2.
Saudi Arabia Hydrogen Train: Tested in 2024. Link 1.
GCC Railway Network: A 2,177 km inter-GCC rail network aiming for completion by 2030, designed to streamline trade and enhance connectivity between major economic zones across the Gulf states. Link 1, Link 2.