The region boasts a pipeline of over $140bn-worth of railway schemes, according to data from regional projects tracker MEED Projects.

This puts the GCC at the centre of global rail construction activity, with progress being made on several large-scale rail schemes.

From the Qiddiya high-speed rail in Saudi Arabia to the planned expansion of Dubai’s metro network and the long-awaited revival of the GCC railway, a new wave of projects is shaping the region’s economic future.

As leading construction, engineering and technology firms either expand or return to the region after years of reduced activity, MEED’s latest issue of MEED Business Review looks at the scale and ambition of ongoing rail projects,

We also consider the region’s growing role as a rail hub, with an increasing need for ongoing servicing, upgrades and new technologies.

This month’s market focus covers Bahrain, where Manama is pushing ahead with diversification amid mounting fiscal constraints and external pressures.

MEED’s latest issue also includes our 2025 EPC contractor ranking, as well as analysis on the cost advantages, technological gains and strong execution giving Chinese contractors a regional edge.

This edition is bursting with features and interviews. The team looks at Libya’s ramp up of oil activity; visits the under-construction Aramco Stadium in Khobar as it races towards completion; provides an update on Abu Dhabi’s $6bn solar and storage project; and interviews Turki AlShehri, regional vice president for Saudi Arabia and the GCC at French power and water developer Engie.

We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the December 2025 issue of MEED Business Review. 

Must-read sections in the December 2025 issue of MEED Business Review include:

> AGENDA: 

> Regional rail construction surges ahead

> Middle East becomes a hub as rail networks mature

> CURRENT AFFAIRS: Oil companies ramp up activity in Libya

> CONSTRUCTION: Aramco Stadium races towards completion

> RENEWABLES: UAE moves ahead with $6bn solar and storage project

> INTERVIEW: Engie pivots towards renewables projects

> BAHRAIN MARKET REPORT: 

> COMMENT: Manama pursues reform amid strain

> GVT & ECONOMY: Bahrain’s cautious economic evolution

> BANKING: Mergers loom over Bahrain’s banking system

> OIL & GAS: Bahrain remains in pursuit of hydrocarbon resources

> POWER & WATER: Bahrain advances utility reform

> CONSTRUCTION: Bahrain construction faces major slowdown

> TRANSPORT: Air Asia aviation deal boosts connectivity

> DATABANK: Bahrain’s economy walks precarious path

> MEED COMMENTS: 

> Bahrain’s willingness to disrupt takes flight with Air Asia

> Projects shift from spending plans to investment opportunities

> Lukoil deal collapse puts $1.8bn of Iraq projects at risk

> Clear rules drive Saudi Arabia’s tariff edge

> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: UAE fuels Gulf projects expansion

> OCTOBER 2025 CONTRACTS: Saudi Arabia and UAE lead deal signings

> ECONOMIC DATA: November 2025: Data drives regional projects

> OPINION: Riyadh’s American bond

> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts