Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed two memorandums of understanding on 9 June 2026 covering railway cooperation and logistics services
- The planned corridor would run from Europe through Turkey, Syria, Jordan and into Saudi Arabia, with Makkah al-Mukarramah (Grand Mosque city), Madinah al-Munawwarah (Prophet’s Mosque city) and NEOM among the key stations
- A feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 — no construction dates have been set
Saudi Arabia and Turkey have signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) that could eventually connect the Gulf region to Europe by rail, passing through Islam’s two holiest cities.
The agreements were signed in Riyadh on 9 June 2026 by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu.
What Was Signed
The first MoU covers logistics services, focusing on the construction and operation of logistics centres, knowledge sharing and joint activities between the two countries.
The second covers the railway sector directly — including cooperation on rail technologies, signalling and communication systems, infrastructure development, engineering standards, safety, digitalisation, environmental impact, training and human resources.
The Planned Route
Al Arabiya has shared details of a corridor map showing the route passing through Saudi Arabia via stations including Makkah al-Mukarramah (Grand Mosque), Madinah al-Munawwarah (Prophet’s Mosque) and NEOM.
The broader corridor would connect Turkey’s existing rail network with southern Europe, then extend south through Syria via Aleppo and Damascus, continue through Jordan to the Red Sea port of Aqaba, and enter Saudi Arabia. The route is intended to move both freight and passengers faster and at lower cost than current options.
Regional Groundwork Already Underway
The Saudi-Turkish agreements build on earlier coordination. In April 2026, Turkey, Syria and Jordan signed a trilateral transport memorandum in Amman, agreeing on a plan to rehabilitate cross-border transport infrastructure over the next four to five years.
Turkish authorities have already begun restoring railway lines near the Syrian border that had been out of service for around 15 years.
Uraloglu said two trial freight runs from Turkey through Iraq to Saudi Arabia had already taken place, showing the route is workable. “Two test runs starting from Türkiye through Iraq and extending to Saudi Arabia have clearly demonstrated the feasibility of this route,” he said.
Hejaz Railway Connection
The agreements are tied to broader plans to revive the historic Hejaz Railway. The Hejaz Railway originally transported pilgrims from Damascus to Madinah, beginning operations in 1908, before being severely damaged during World War I.
Uraloglu has also announced plans to eventually extend a modernised version of the line to Oman, creating an alternative trade route that reduces pressure on sea shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
What Comes Next
Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser said the feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. No construction timeline or confirmed passenger service dates have been announced. The agreements remain at the cooperation and planning stage.
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