COUNTRY:QATAR.

Qatar and Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in land transport and logistics services. The document was signed on the sidelines of the 30th meeting of transport and communications ministers of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states in Bahrain. The MoU covers cooperation in road safety, the development of technical standards and specifications, and research into emerging trends in the sector, and is also aimed at supporting an integrated and environmentally sustainable land transport system. It also provides for exploring options to develop rail and road links between the two countries and connect them to the GCC Railway Project, as well as cooperation in public transport, metro and railway networks, and the use of artificial intelligence.

The agreement comes amid stepped-up efforts by GCC states to improve cross-border transport links. On November 8, member states signed a general agreement to connect their national railway networks through the GCC Railway Project. The planned 1,768-km network connecting the six states of the council has reached 55.92 percent completion, according to 2026 data from the GCC Railways Authority; full completion and operation are targeted for December 2030. The MoU also provides for the exchange of technical specifications, standards, policies, legislation, and data, as well as joint testing and exchanges of expert visits.

Qatar’s Minister of Transport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani said the agreement reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in the transport sector and supporting regional connectivity, and stressed Qatar’s commitment to working with other GCC states on innovative solutions. Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa noted that the MoU provides for the exchange of expertise in public transport, metro, railways, and logistics, as well as the use of artificial intelligence and smart, sustainable transport solutions to improve service quality and strengthen connectivity across regional transport networks.

PHOTO SOURCE: Qatar News Agency Author: Egor Sergeev.