Bahrain to host Gulf rail connectivity agreement signing

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are preparing to sign a general agreement for a regional railway network during a transport ministers meeting in Bahrain on November 8. The proposed network spans approximately 2,117 kilometers, connecting Kuwait City to Muscat, Oman, while passing through all GCC member states.

Passenger trains on the network are expected to reach speeds of 220 kilometers per hour, while freight trains will operate between 80 and 120 kilometers per hour. The project utilizes diesel technology for power generation and adheres to international railway standards for signaling, communications, and maintenance to ensure regional interoperability.

In a related development, Bahraini Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, confirmed that AirAsia is scheduled to begin operations in Bahrain in March 2027. This follows delays caused by regional tensions. The partnership with Capital A includes establishing a regional hub, operating Teleport logistics services, and a maintenance project through Asia Digital Engineering (ADE).