UAE drives 2,117km GCC Railway network towards 2030 launch
A unified GCC tourist visa to complement regional transport integration
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates is taking a central role in the ambitious GCC Railway Project, a 2,117-kilometre network designed to connect all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states by December 2030.
The strategic initiative aims to enhance regional integration, boost economic growth, and provide sustainable, high-speed transport solutions across the Gulf.
Passenger trains are planned to run at speeds exceeding 200 km/h, while freight trains will operate between 80 and 120 km/h, reducing travel times and increasing trade efficiency across the region.
GCC Railway project
Eng. Mohammed bin Fahad Al Shabrami, director general of the GCC Railway Authority, speaking at the Global Rail 2025 Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, said the project is “one of the strategic initiatives that will connect the six GCC countries through a network extending approximately 2,117 kilometres.”
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, officially inaugurated the second edition of Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference. Taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, under the theme… pic.twitter.com/J05q90CD9V
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) September 30, 2025
He added that the GCC countries are working in an integrated manner to complete the network’s phases, which will link national rail systems, ports, and logistics hubs to form a pivotal part of the regional transport system.
The railway is expected to strengthen economic ties within the Gulf, improve mobility for citizens and residents, and position the region as a transport hub for international trade.
How is the UAE involved?
The UAE is spearheading its national rail programme, Etihad Rail, which will integrate into the wider GCC network. A major milestone has been achieved with the Hafeet Rail project, a 300-kilometre line linking Sohar in Oman to the UAE’s network.
Etihad Rail is also preparing to launch passenger services in 2026, connecting 11 cities across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Travel times will be dramatically reduced – Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 30 minutes, while longer inter-GCC journeys such as Abu Dhabi to Riyadh could take under five hours once the full network is operational.
When will the project be completed?
The GCC Railway is on track for December 2030 completion. By 2045, projections estimate that over 8 million passengers will use the network annually, while freight transported could reach 95 million tonnes.
The railway is also set to complement the forthcoming unified GCC tourist visa, improving accessibility and strengthening regional tourism and trade integration.