Saudi Arabia Advances Red Sea High-Speed Rail with Egypt

Saudi Arabia plans to connect with Egypt via a high-speed rail link crossing the Red Sea, aiming to enhance trade, tourism, and regional integration between the two Arab powers. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The new line will link Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt with Ras Alsheikh Hamid in Saudi Arabia, passing by Tiran Island via a bridge. The route marks the first of its kind between Africa and Asia.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Strategic Transport Connectivity

Originally proposed by King Salman in 2017, the $4 billion rail link complements Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to diversify its economy. It supports tourism growth and cargo flow, both vital to Vision 2030 goals.

Egyptian authorities have completed technical studies, and construction now seems increasingly likely. Trains will travel 7–10 kilometers over the Red Sea, significantly cutting current travel times.

This rail project is part of the larger King Salman Bridge initiative. The bridge will ease movement for over 1.4 million Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia and thousands who travel for Hajj annually.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt Strengthen Economic Integration

In 2024, trade between the nations grew by 29%, reaching $15.98 billion. Analysts believe this new rail link can double or triple that figure in the coming years.

Egypt is expanding its infrastructure to become a logistics hub linking Europe and Asia. It plans to connect the Red Sea to the Mediterranean with a railway from Taba to Alexandria.

Saudi Arabia is investing in a multibillion-dollar Red Sea tourism project. A direct land connection with Egypt will boost regional access and attract global investment to the kingdom’s industrial sector.

Omar Seif, a Saudi political analyst, said the new connection will transform regional trade and integration across Arab states in both Africa and Asia. The bridge and rail line symbolize a shift from political divergence toward economic unity.