The GCC cities currently have a total of around 400 km of metro track but an estimated additional 1,100 km of network needs to be installed to cope with the transportation requirements of these rapidly developing cities.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  countries, including the regional organisation’s Secretariat General and rail authority, are continuing their efforts to finalise the last stages of the railway plan that will link the region, according to the GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi.

Neom, the $500-billion futuristic city along the north Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, has flagged off the construction of a vital link between its two key hubs with the award of a $1.53-billion contract to design and build a 57-km stretch of a high-speed railway.

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has confirmed its intention to push ahead with the passenger service on the country’s railway network with the signing of an agreement last month.

Railway construction in the Middle East has witnessed significant progress in recent years, with countries in the region recognising the importance of a robust transportation infrastructure for economic development, regional integration, and sustainable growth.