The Saudi Landbridge project advances after a Spanish firm, Sener secured the Saudi Landbridge design contract, marking a critical milestone in Saudi Arabia’s flagship rail construction program. Moreover, the award signals renewed momentum for the long-delayed corridor linking the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, while reinforcing the Kingdom’s logistics ambitions under Vision 2030.

Furthermore, the design appointment follows a competitive tender issued by Saudi Arabia Railways in 2025, with bids evaluated through late 2025. Consequently, the selection confirms Spain’s Sener as a key technical contributor within the evolving delivery framework, although earlier design foundations were prepared by Italferr.

In addition, the Saudi Landbridge project spans approximately 1,500 kilometres, connecting Jeddah on the Red Sea to Dammam and Jubail on the Gulf. Therefore, the railway will significantly reduce freight transit times and enhance regional trade efficiency across Saudi Arabia’s industrial corridors.

Saudi Landbridge project design drives phased construction delivery

The Saudi Landbridge project now enters an advanced planning stage, as the newly awarded Saudi Landbridge design contract supports concept and detailed engineering development. Meanwhile, authorities have shifted from a single mega public-private partnership to a phased delivery model, ensuring flexibility and faster implementation.

Notably, the project management structure remains led by a consortium including Hill International, Italferr, and Sener. As a result, the collaboration integrates global expertise across engineering, delivery strategy, and program controls.

Additionally, earlier design works completed in 2017 provide a technical baseline, while the new consultancy scope updates alignments, systems integration, and construction packaging. Consequently, this approach supports tendering of multiple design-and-build contracts, including key sections such as the Riyadh rail link.

Saudi Landbridge project strengthens logistics and economic diversification

The Saudi Landbridge project plays a central role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub. Specifically, the railway will connect major ports and inland cities, thereby enabling seamless cargo movement between Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Moreover, freight trains operating up to 160 km/h and passenger services reaching 250 km/h will improve efficiency and mobility. In turn, the project will reduce reliance on maritime routes around the Arabian Peninsula, offering a faster and more secure alternative.

Equally important, the program aligns with Vision 2030 goals by diversifying the economy beyond oil. Therefore, it will stimulate job creation, attract foreign investment, and enhance infrastructure resilience across the Kingdom.

Project momentum builds toward 2034 completion

The Saudi Landbridge project has experienced multiple delays since its initial conception; however, recent developments indicate steady progress. Following the 2023 award of project management services and the 2026 Saudi Landbridge design contract, authorities are accelerating procurement and execution.

Subsequently, construction activities are expected to expand in phases, with priority segments advancing first. Although full completion is targeted for 2034, incremental delivery will allow early operational benefits across selected corridors.

Moreover, the Saudi Landbridge project aligns closely with wider regional rail integration efforts across the Gulf. In particular, the broader Gulf Railway project aims to connect Kuwait to Oman through a unified cross-border network, enhancing trade and mobility across the GCC.

Project Fact Sheet

Project name: Saudi Landbridge project

Estimated cost: $7 billion – $26.6 billion

Project type: Railway infrastructure (freight and passenger)

Location: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah – Riyadh – Dammam/Jubail corridor)

Length: Approximately 950–1,500 km

Client/Owner: Saudi Arabia Railways

Scope: New railway lines, upgrades, stations, freight terminals, signaling systems (ETCS Level 2)

Train speeds: Passenger up to 250 km/h; freight up to 160 km/h

Delivery model: Phased design-and-build contracts

Current stage (2026): Design consultancy awarded; pre-construction planning ongoing

Completion target: 2034

Project Team

Client/Operator: Saudi Arabia Railways

Project Management Services (PMS):

• Hill International – Program management and delivery strategy
• Italferr – Lead rail engineering and design coordination
• Sener – Engineering consultancy and technical advisory
• Lead Design (historical):
• Italferr – Original detailed design (2013–2017)
• ACEC (local partner) – Supporting engineering services

Current Design Consultancy (2026): Spanish firm-Sener

Contractors: To be appointed under phased design-and-build packages

Key stakeholders:

• Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services
• Industrial and logistics zone authorities