Railway construction in the Middle East has witnessed significant progress in recent years, with countries in the region recognizing the importance of robust transportation infrastructure for economic development, regional integration, and sustainable growth. The Middle East's strategic location and its role as a global hub for trade and tourism make the development of railway networks crucial.

Knowing the transformative impact of railway construction in the Middle East, it is a fact all its contributions to connectivity, economic diversification, and sustainable development.

Enhanced Connectivity and Integration:

One of the key benefits of railway construction in the Middle East is the enhanced connectivity it brings. By connecting cities, regions, and even countries, railways promote regional integration and create a seamless transportation network. Efficient rail systems reduce travel times, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and encourage greater cultural exchange and tourism. For example:

The Riyadh Metro project, which began in 2014 and will features six metro lines, 84 stations and will span a total distance of 176km expecting to serve 3.6m passengers per day once it is fully operational before the end of 2023, or at the start of 2024 at the latest after the completion of the testing phase, which is ongoing. It will be one of the world’s largest public transport network projects.

Saudi Arabia has also recently announced the US$1.5bn railway to connect its giga-projects (57 kilometres of a high-speed railway in NEOM) and it is expected to create 4,000 new jobs.

We have also the example of Dubai, where Dubai Municipality and before the creation of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in 2005, identified the need for a rail system to relieve growing motor traffic levels and support continuing urban development based on studies conducted in 1997. The city inaugurated its metro network in September 2009, becoming the first urban metro network to run in the Gulf’s Arab states and fully operated by the RTA. The RTA plan to issue the tender documents for the expansion of Dubai Metro in Q4 of this year. Known as the Blue Line, the scheme will extend the existing Red and Green lines.

Since its public launch on 9 September 2009, the number of riders who have used the Dubai Metro network has exceeded two billion, according to the RTA. The Red Line has transported 1.342 billion commuters, while the Green Line has served 673.531 million passengers. In 2022, the average daily ridership on the Dubai Metro exceeded 616,000 riders. The extension is part of Dubai’s plans to improve residents' quality of life by cutting journey times as outlined in its newly approved 20-minute city policy.

What is more, Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, said at the Middle East Rail 2023 that the UAE leadership pays special attention to the development of the transport sector and railway industry and to the extension of its train network in order to promote development throughout the country, given the vital role that railways play in supporting the economy, promoting investment opportunities and strengthening human and commercial ties.

For the Land Bridge project in Saudi, the strategic importance of linking both coasts of Saudi Arabia is evident when examining major rail lines in other developed nations. These examples demonstrate the economic and logistical benefits of such infrastructure projects. In Japan, the Shinkansen, also known as the "bullet train," connects major cities with remarkable efficiency and speed. This extensive network facilitates rapid transportation, fosters economic growth, and enhances regional connectivity.

Similarly, the United States’ Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway, facilitate the movement of goods across vast distances, contributing to economic development and trade expansion.

Drawing from these examples, the Saudi Landbridge Project holds strategic importance with an estimated investment of $20+ billion, this ambitious endeavor involves constructing over 1,300 km of new rail lines between Jeddah and the Eastern region in addition to a link from Yanbu Industrial City to Jeddah, this project will dramatically reduce travel time for passenger transport. For instance, the Jeddah-Riyadh rail link will cut travel time from the current 10 to 12 hours by bus to a mere six hours, boosting connectivity and facilitating economic growth.

The Doha Metro is a rapid transit system that was built in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It comprises four lines and 37 stations, with underground and elevated sections spanning a total length of about 76 kilometers (47 miles). It is a fact that the railway infrastructure will become a vital part of the $100bn Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rail programme as will connect the UAE with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman and certainly the completion of the Doha Metro will be a vital step towards achieving this goal by providing an important connection between Qatar and other GCC countries.

Promoting Economic Diversification:

Railway construction plays a vital role in promoting economic diversification in the Middle East. Historically dependent on oil and gas revenues, countries in the region are actively seeking to diversify their economies by investing in sectors such as tourism, logistics, and manufacturing. The development of railway networks provides the necessary infrastructure to support and drive these sectors. Railways facilitate the efficient movement of goods, lowering logistics costs and enhancing trade competitiveness. They attract foreign direct investment, create employment opportunities, and spur economic growth in sectors related to railway operations and services.

Efficient Movement of Goods:

Efficient freight transportation is essential for facilitating trade and supporting economic growth. Railways offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution for transporting goods over long distances. By relieving the burden on congested road networks, railways reduce transport costs and delivery times, making businesses more competitive. Additionally, the transportation of goods by rail is more environmentally friendly, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to sustainable logistics and supply chain management in the region.

Sustainable Development:

The development of railway infrastructure in the Middle East aligns with the region's commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation. Rail transport produces lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to road or air transport. By shifting a portion of passenger and freight traffic from road to rail, railways help reduce congestion, ease traffic-related pollution, and improve air quality in urban areas. Moreover, railways require less land use compared to road networks, minimizing the impact on valuable ecosystems and preserving natural habitats.

Catalyst for Regional Development:

Railway construction acts as a catalyst for regional development by promoting economic activity and investment in previously underserved areas. The development of rail networks often spurs the growth of towns and cities along the rail corridors. These regions experience increased business opportunities, job creation, and improved access to markets. Railways connect remote regions with urban centers, enabling the development of industries, agriculture, and tourism beyond traditional economic hubs.

We could say that leveraging international best practices plays a crucial role in sustainable development, especially considering the transformation towards an economy based on knowledge and innovation. As part of our expertise, we have more than 100 years of experience in the construction of railway infrastructure in which we have left our mark on hundreds of projects having built more than 3,000 kilometers of railways; more than 100 stations and facilities and more than 600 km of tunnels. In other words, more than 35,3 million travelers per year across the globe.

Railway construction in the Middle East is transforming the region's connectivity, driving economic development, and promoting sustainable growth. With ongoing and planned railway projects, the Middle East is on a trajectory to build a comprehensive and interconnected railway network that will shape the future of the region, supporting its aspirations for prosperity, sustainability, and global integration.

By Ahmed Sayed, Middle East Business Development Manager for ACCIONA Transports Solutions.