Rail Infrastructure

GCC countries to invest US$123.45 billion on road and rails projects over the next 10 years.
Source: Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), January 2010.

Countries across the Middle East have the highest traffic density and fatality figures anywhere in the world. Traditionally, the region has placed the vast majority of investment in developing road networks. In a bid to deduce congestion, cut travel times and remove reliance on air transport, governments are embarking on a massive investment programme to construct a network of rail systems.

Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries have approved the construction of a GCC wide rail network estimated to cost in the region of US$60 billion. The network will be initially made up of 2,177km of high speed, electrified line carrying trains travelling up to speeds of 350 km/hour.

Dubai has already launched the world’s longest, driver-less metro system and Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia plan to introduce metro systems shortly.

Over US$109 billion will be spent on regional rail projects over the next 10 years

Saudi Arabia:

The US$7 billion Saudi Landbridge project is under construction.
Second phase tenders are expected to be awarded for the construction of 1,100km of new / upgraded track, the procurement of trains and construction of stations.
A US$1.4 billion contract for signals, maintenance and operation of the new high speed Haramain line is due to be awarded imminently.
Work has already begun on the US$14 billion, 2,400km North – South railway.

Qatar:

Feasibility studies are underway to develop and emirate wide rail network.

Oman:

Feasibility study for a 200km Sohar – Duqum railway is underway.

Kuwait:

A US$11 billion railway project is planned.

United Arab Emirates:

Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Northern Emirates will be linked by a 590km rail network costing US$4.4 billion. Contracts will be awarded shortly.
Abu Dhabi to construct a 131km metro system

Bahrain:

The country is considering six rail lines totaling 184km at a cost of US$8 billion