The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, chaired the Cabinet meeting held today in the capital, Riyadh, where the Council reviewed the recent diplomatic talks and addressed a number of important local and regional issues, making strategic decisions that enhance the Kingdom’s position and its leading role.
The high-speed electric train project: a qualitative leap in Saudi-Qatari relations
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and the shared desire to enhance economic integration, the Cabinet approved the high-speed electric train that will link the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar. This project is the culmination of the outcomes of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council, forming a vital new artery that will support transportation between the two countries.
This project holds immense strategic importance, as its role extends beyond passenger transport to include enhancing trade and logistics. The train is expected to contribute to lower transportation costs and reduced carbon emissions, aligning with Saudi Arabia's green initiatives. Furthermore, it is anticipated to revitalize the tourism sector and support joint sporting and cultural events between the two countries, making it one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region.
Strengthening joint Gulf action
In a related context, this railway link comes as part of the broader vision of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to complete the GCC railway project. This link contributes to achieving Gulf economic unity and facilitates the movement of citizens and residents, thereby strengthening social cohesion and sustainable economic growth in the region as a whole.
Welcoming the decisions to lift sanctions on Syria
On the international political front, the Cabinet welcomed the United States' decision to lift sanctions imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic, including the repeal of the Caesar Act. The Cabinet commended President Donald Trump's positive role in this matter, reaffirming the Kingdom's steadfast support for all efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region, ending human suffering, and creating the conditions conducive to development in the Middle East.
Global leadership in digital government and artificial intelligence
Domestically, the Council highlighted the Kingdom's successive achievements in international indicators, commending Saudi Arabia's ranking second globally in the 2025 Digital Government Index issued by the World Bank Group. It also praised the Kingdom's fifth-place ranking globally and first in the Arab world in the growth of the artificial intelligence sector, reflecting the success of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives in building a sophisticated digital infrastructure and an innovation-driven economy.
International resolutions and agreements
The Council concluded its session by issuing a number of decisions and approvals, including authorizing ministers to discuss and sign cooperation agreements with several countries, including Uzbekistan, Spain, Singapore, and Japan, in the security, judicial, and logistical fields, in addition to approving the rules and standards for the names of public facilities, and adopting the unified rules for enabling persons with disabilities in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
