Watan – The “Economist Intelligence Unit” recently published an in-depth analysis of the Gulf Unified Railway project, highlighting the recurring challenges it faces.
The Gulf’s ambitious Unified Railway project first envisioned in 2009, promised to seamlessly connect the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. This railway would bridge major urban hubs like Riyadh, Dubai, and Kuwait City.
However, the journey hasn’t been smooth. Originally slated for completion in 2018, the project hit numerous roadblocks, causing significant delays.
The 2017 Gulf crisis, marked by a diplomatic rift between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Qatar, further derailed the project’s timeline. However, the silver lining emerged with the resolution of the Gulf crisis and the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. The escalating global oil prices, intensified by the Ukraine conflict, have also rejuvenated the financial health of the Gulf nations.
While political tensions in the Gulf have simmered down, paving the way for collaborative infrastructure projects, especially with Qatar back in the fold, challenges persist. The Gulf’s warming ties with Iran, especially after Saudi Arabia and Iran mended fences in 2023, coupled with the de-escalation in Yemen, have somewhat alleviated infrastructure security concerns.
Since 2021, the GCC’s financial resurgence has catalyzed a series of agreements to jumpstart the Gulf Railway project. These agreements, primarily bilateral understandings between local stakeholders, echo the project’s original vision.
In a significant move, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in January 2022, committed to resuming work on their shared railway segment. Similarly, Oman and the UAE greenlit a $3 billion initiative to link Sohar Port in Oman to Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
As the Gulf nations recalibrate their strategies and ambitions in a rapidly changing world, the fate of the Unified Railway — a symbol of regional unity and progress — remains a narrative to watch closely.
However, the project isn’t without its logistical quandaries. Creating a cohesive railway system across the GCC demands substantial capital, navigating challenging terrains, implementing safety protocols, and establishing a network of railway stations. Moreover, harmonizing regulations and operational standards across the participating nations remains a formidable task.
The analysis concludes with cautious optimism, suggesting that while some GCC nations might make strides with the railway between 2024 and 2028, others might lag due to financial constraints and competing infrastructure priorities, especially as financial pressures mount and oil prices are projected to dip from 2025 onward.
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