For most of history, trade in the Gulf has moved along the natural contours of the desert, shaped by geography and anchored in centuries-old routes. Fast forward to today, and the landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace – both literally and economically. As part of a sweeping regional effort to future-proof economies and unify Gulf markets, the GCC Railway Project is laying the foundations for the region’s first true cross-border rail network. When complete, it will span over 2,100 kilometres, linking all six GCC nations – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait – through a fast, high-capacity system built for both freight and passengers. In doing so, it stands to reshape how people move, how goods flow, and perhaps most significantly: where investment goes.
Below, we explore the current status of the GCC Railway, its confirmed routes and strategic hubs, and what this means for real estate in the region.
GCC Railway Project – Overview and Timeline
The idea of a railway connecting all six Gulf states has been around for well over a decade. First announced in 2009, the GCC Railway was framed as a flagship project for regional unity: a 2,117-kilometre network that would run from Kuwait in the north to Oman in the south, linking major cities, ports, and borders along the way. Though momentum slowed after the initial announcement, construction is now well underway.
As of 2025, the UAE is furthest ahead in actual construction, with Etihad Rail already moving freight between key cities. Passenger service is expected to launch as early as 2026, with around 11 planned stations across the country – including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah – cutting the travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to a (traffic-free) 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has begun work on key internal lines, including the Dammam–Jubail corridor, which will form part of the Kingdom’s eastern freight spine. Plans are also underway to establish a direct link with the UAE via Etihad Rail’s terminus at Al Ghuwaifat. Oman, too, has made tangible progress, partnering with Etihad Rail to develop the 303-kilometre Sohar-Al Ain line through their joint venture, Hafeet Rail.
Qatar and Bahrain are expected to join the network through shorter, connector-style stretches, including the long-planned King Hamad Causeway. By 2030, the GCC Railway is projected to serve over six million passengers, linking ports to borders, cities to hinterlands, and increasingly – infrastructure to investment opportunities.
GCC Railway Routes – Where the Tracks Will Lead
The GCC Railway isn’t a single, cohesive rail line, it’s a complex network of corridors, border crossings and port connectors. Here are the key routes.
Northern Corridor: Kuwait to Saudi Arabia
At the top of the network sits Kuwait. The proposed route will connect Kuwait City to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, linking directly with the expanding rail infrastructure in and around Dammam. This segment is expected to carry freight as a priority, opening new logistics routes into the Kingdom’s industrial heartland. Passenger services will eventually follow, enabling faster travel across a corridor that currently relies almost entirely on road transport.
Eastern Spine: Dammam to the UAE via Al Batha
From Dammam, the line continues southeast toward the UAE border at Al Batha – a crucial crossing that will link Saudi Arabia with Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This segment includes the Dammam–Jubail corridor, now under construction, which will form part of a broader logistics artery stretching across the peninsula. Once connected, this line could support long-distance travel from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi in approximately five hours.
Oman Connection: Al Ain to Sohar
The UAE–Oman connection is one of the most advanced international segments of the network. In 2022, Oman and the UAE signed a landmark $3 billion agreement to construct a 303-kilometre line between Sohar (Oman’s rapidly developing northern port city) and Al Ain, on the UAE border. This stretch is designed both for freight and passengers, and it’s expected to open by 2030.
The implications are significant. Sohar, long viewed as a logistics-focused port city, could emerge as a new tourism hub or second-home destination for UAE-based residents seeking a quiet coastal escape with easy rail access.
Linking Qatar and Bahrain
Though smaller in scale than other corridors in the Gulf, Qatar and Bahrain are both expected to connect via shorter, high-value links. Qatar is set to join the network through a route linking it to Saudi Arabia’s eastern rail system, likely near Salwa. Bahrain’s connection is tied to the long-discussed King Hamad Causeway – a proposed rail-and-road bridge linking the island to the Saudi mainland, running alongside the historic King Fahd Causeway.
How The GCC Railway Will Unlock Real Estate Opportunities
Infrastructure has long been one of the strongest drivers of real estate value, and the GCC Railway is no exception. As cross-border connectivity improves, previously peripheral areas, especially along the Saudi–UAE–Oman region, are expected to attract renewed investor interest. In the Kingdom, emerging logistics zones such as Jubail, Al Batha, and the broader Eastern Province could see land values rise, particularly as freight corridors become operational in 2026. Al Batha, once a quiet border post, may see a strategic boost in investment potential as Saudi Arabia formalises its direct rail connection with Abu Dhabi.
Further inland, Al-Ahsa – a UNESCO-listed oasis and one of Saudi Arabia’s most cinematic cities – stands to benefit from increased footfall and improved access via multiple planned routes. With residential prices in Al-Ahsa still well below Riyadh averages (approximately SAR 5,000+ in central Riyadh, as of mid-2025), infrastructure-led growth could unlock meaningful long-term upside.
As passenger rail expands, fringe neighbourhoods in Riyadh and Jeddah, including Al Khaleej and Al Janadriyah, may also gain traction – particularly among professionals seeking connectivity without the premium of a city-centre address.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s real estate landscape is expanding rapidly, and with the GCC Railway reshaping how the region connects, new opportunities are emerging far beyond the traditional bases. Whether you're considering a rare beachfront villa in The Red Sea, a branded residence in Riyadh, or an apartment in Makkah, our experts are here to guide you.
Get in touch with Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty for bespoke, insight-driven support on your next property move.
