Regional rail industry emerges
8 December 2025
Commentary
Colin Foreman
Editor
Read the December issue of MEED Business Review
The GCC is experiencing a fundamental shift in its approach to rail infrastructure, as it moves from standalone projects to a self-sustaining regional industry. The transition is evident as local, national and regional projects advance across the region.
The first wave of metro systems, in Dubai, Doha, and most recently, Riyadh, have reported stronger-than-expected ridership and demonstrated the viability of mass transit in the Gulf.
Extensions to those networks are planned or under way, including Dubai’s Blue and Gold lines and Riyadh’s Line 2, alongside planned metros elsewhere such as Muscat and Bahrain.
Projects are also planned and already being delivered at the national level. The UAE’s Etihad Rail and Saudi Arabian Railways are leading most of these efforts. The region’s first cross-border project is also progressing with the Hafeet Rail scheme linking the UAE and Oman.
Other cross-border schemes are planned, including high speed links connecting Riyadh with Doha and Kuwait City, and rail links for Bahrain across causeways to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The ultimate ambition is a GCC Rail network – a project that was reinvigorated by the Al-Ula accords in 2021.
Sustained, simultaneous activity across the GCC is fostering the development of an indigenous regional rail industry. Rather than being executed as isolated endeavours, projects are creating ongoing demand for expertise, personnel and resources within the region.
Project delivery capability will be complemented by the establishment of crucial ancillary services, including fabrication and servicing facilities.
These operations will shift the GCC from a lucrative market for international contractors to a regional hub for the rail industry, capable of servicing and sustaining its growing network.
READ THE DECEMBER 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF
Prospects widen as Middle East rail projects are delivered; India’s L&T storms up MEED’s EPC contractor ranking; Manama balances growth with fiscal challenges
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the December 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
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> AGENDA 1: Regional rail construction surges ahead
> INDUSTRY REPORT 1: Larsen & Toubro climbs EPC contractor ranking
> INDUSTRY REPORT 2: Chinese firms expand oil and gas presence
> CONSTRUCTION: Aramco Stadium races towards completion
> RENEWABLES: UAE moves ahead with $6bn solar and storage project
> INTERVIEW: Engie pivots towards renewables projects
> BAHRAIN MARKET FOCUS: Manama pursues reform amid strain
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