Qatari Diar and Deutsche Bahn sign MoU for Qatar's integrated railway project

In addition, the MOU sets the basis for future cooperation between the parties.

Based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for the development of Qatar and the goal of connecting the people of Qatar with the rest of the GCC, Qatari Diar, in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn, will carefully review technically and financially how a consolidated railway network can best link the systems that are already being planned and provide possible synergies that will have an overall benefit for the country.

Following the completion of the study, a comprehensive high level presentation will be made to His Highness.

Qatar Railways Project

The Railways Project consists of the following:

1. The east coast rail link, a passenger and freight railway linking Ras Laffan and Mesaieed via Doha

2. The high speed link between the New Doha International Airport, Doha City Center, and Kingdom of Bahrain via the planned causeway bridge

3. The freight rail link based on the GCC rail and Doha expressway studies

4. The Doha Metro Network based on the Qatar Transport Master Plan

5. Light rail / people mover networks, such as Lusail, Education City and Westbay

The consolidated railway network will be based on state-of-the-art, safe and environment-friendly design technology that will fit the needs of Qatar while ensuring a close link with the local culture.

"We are looking forward to working closely with Deutsche Bahn, one of the world's leading railway services companies, to integrate a state-of-the-art rail system for Qatar, " said CEO of Qatari Diar, Mr. Ghanim bin Saad al Saad.

:"We believe such system will advance Qatar's forward-thinking goals of becoming a first-class state that provides a high standard of living for all its residents and is an international destination for industry and tourism."

"We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Qatari Diar on the integrated railway network," added Martin Bay, Chairman of Deutsche Bahn International and representative of Deutsche Bahn AG.

"Qatar's vision and ambition is inspiring and we look forward to being part of the further development of this great country."

In undertaking the intensive study, Qatari Diar and Deutsche Bahn will utilize significant resources, including deploying a team comprised of 60 to 70 local and international experts who will be based in Qatar.

Over the next several months, Qatari Diar and Deutsche Bahn will be meeting with organisations throughout Qatar to get input on how their existing rail network projects can best be integrated with each other, while maintaining their own original integrity and function.

German-based Deutsche Bahn AG, which provides Europe's most extensive train systems connecting over 80 cities, is one of the world's leaders in modern railway services and seamless transit.

Qatari Diar, an investment company of the Qatari government, is wholly-owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, and is currently developing a number of forward-looking projects that will shape the future of Qatar, including the city of Lusail and the Doha Convention Center and Tower.