Turkey and Saudi Arabia are planning a high-speed railway to connect Istanbul and Riyadh through the Modern Hejaz Line project.
The initiative aims to strengthen economic and tourism ties between the two nations while providing a fast, secure transport link. The project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Turkey's national development goals.
Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said his country reached preliminary agreements with six international lenders [2] to provide $6.75 billion [1] in funding for the project. The rail link, also referred to as the "Desert Dream Train," is designed to integrate modern technology with luxury travel.
Saudi Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh Al-Jasser said the project will combine luxury and technology and reflect the identity of modern Saudi Arabia. The rail line will span the distance between Istanbul and Riyadh, creating a new corridor for regional transit.
Technical studies for the high-speed network are currently underway. Officials said these studies are expected to be completed by the end of 2026 [3].
The project represents a significant infrastructure investment intended to facilitate the movement of goods and people across the Middle East. By linking the Mediterranean hub of Istanbul with the Saudi capital, the two governments intend to create a streamlined logistics artery.
“The project will combine luxury and technology and reflect the identity of modern Saudi Arabia.”
The Modern Hejaz Line is more than a transport project; it is a strategic geopolitical move to integrate the economies of Turkey and Saudi Arabia. By establishing a high-speed rail link, both nations reduce reliance on air and sea freight for regional trade and create a physical bridge that encourages tourism and diplomatic cooperation across the Arabian Peninsula and Anatolia.
