Turkey and Saudi Arabia Sign Hejaz Railway Revival Deal

The Government of Turkey and the Government of Saudi Arabia signed two memorandums of understanding in Riyadh on June 9, 2026, to revive the historic Hejaz Railway and enhance regional logistics. The agreements, signed by Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu and Saudi Minister Saleh al-Jasser, aim to establish an overland trade corridor linking the Gulf to Europe via Jordan and Syria.

This initiative follows a trilateral transport memorandum signed earlier in 2026 between Turkey, Syria, and Jordan to modernize the regional network. The original Hejaz Railway, operational from 1908 to 1920, linked Istanbul to Medina. The new project focuses on restoring rail links between Turkey and Aleppo, Syria, and potentially extending the network toward Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The cooperation targets the construction of logistics centers and the digitalization of railway standards to support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Strategically, the corridor is intended to provide a stable land alternative to maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, which have been disrupted by conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat indicated that the project could reduce Israel's influence in the region while promoting economic solidarity.