By 2030, the regional real estate market may change dramatically thanks to one infrastructure project. Gulf Railway — this is not just a railway, but a new artery that will connect the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

This is a large-scale railway network with a length of more than 2,000 km, which not only creates unique business and tourism opportunities, but also directly affects the attractiveness of real estate investments in the region, including Dubai.

What is Gulf Railway and why do we need it?

The project Gulf Railway It was approved back in 2009 and is aimed at creating a unified transport system that will ensure fast, safe and stable communication between the Gulf countries. Key goals:

integration of logistics flows;

reducing the load on roads;

reducing CO₂ emissions;

development of tourism and cross-border movement.

It is planned to complete construction by 2030. This means that in less than five years, Dubai residents and businesses will be able to gain direct access to new economic hubs and tourist destinations by rail — at high speed and at minimal cost.

How is construction going? Who's ahead?

The UAE is the undisputed leader of the project.

Etihad Rail, the national operator, has already launched cargo services on almost 900 km long sections. In February 2023, the second phase was completed, linking the border with Saudi Arabia and the eastern emirates. It deserves special attention Hafeet Rail — A 303-kilometer line between Abu Dhabi and Oman, worth $3 billion. It will be the first international passenger line with a speed of up to 200 km/h.

Kuwait has been more active since 2025 — a contract has been signed to design the first section with a length of 111 km. Completion is expected by 2030.

Saudi Arabia modernizes existing destinations and develops a new route Saudi Landbridge, connecting the country's coasts and supporting integration into the GCC network.

Oman is working on a connection with the UAE.

Bahrain and Qatar — still in the early stages: plans exist, but some bridges and connections remain frozen.

How will this affect real estate?

The construction of Gulf Railway is fundamentally changing the rules of the game in the real estate market. Here's why:

Increased demand for housing at key transport hubs

Train stations and logistics centers will become new points of attraction, as demand for housing near them, especially in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Fujairah, will grow.

The increase in the value of land and commercial real estate

The new railway infrastructure creates the basis for the development of business parks, logistics centers, hotels and retail facilities near routes and border points.

Simplifying regional investments

Thanks to the railway connection, it will be easier to do business and travel between the Gulf countries. This will pave the way for joint investments and interstate development projects.

Tourism and rental development

Planned implementation GCC Grand Tours Visa In 2025, the advent of high-speed connections between cities will increase interest in short-term rentals, especially among tourists and business travelers.

What's going to happen next?

Gulf Railway should be fully operational by 2030.

For today:

🇦🇪 The UAE is already working,

🇰🇼 Kuwait — in design,

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia is under active construction,

🇴🇲 Oman — high demand growth,

🇧🇭🇶🇦 Bahrain and Qatar are lagging behind.

Conclusion for investors

Gulf Railway — this is not just an infrastructure project, but a large-scale transformer in the region. It strengthens economic connectivity, creates growth points, and changes the logic of demand for housing and commercial real estate. Investors who start taking into account the prospects of the new railway reality in their decisions today will be able to gain a strategic advantage in the next 5—10 years.

As a link between East and West, Dubai is at the heart of this movement. The ideal time for strategic investments is now.

Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this unique project.