Weekly Briefing | MENA
Recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have once again highlighted the vulnerability of maritime trade routes and renewed interest in alternative overland corridors across the globe. To cope with the situation, Türkiye has proposed reviving the historic Hijaz Railway. The proposal reflects Türkiye's broader ambition to position itself as a regional connectivity hub during a period of geopolitical uncertainty. According to the design of the railway line, it will pass from Türkiye to Syria and from there it will connect to Jordan and will finally reach Oman. Negotiations are underway with Saudi Arabia to cooperate on this matter. It is worth noting however that establishing such a long railway requires funding from economically strong states. That said, Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency has claimed that six World Bank institutions will finance the project; and, given China's growing economic engagement across the Middle East and its interest in developing alternative trade corridors, Beijing could also emerge as a potential investor should the initiative move forward.
Historical Background
The Hijaz Railway was built between 1900 and 1908 during the rule of Sultan Abdul Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire. It served both strategic and religious purposes: strengthening Ottoman control over its Arab provinces while significantly reducing time travel for pilgrims travelling to Medina. With the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, its functioning ceased. As it once did, the revived railway could offer easy and short transport routes; likewise, today, this extended railway from Türkiye to Oman will provide an alternative to the maritime chokepoint, Hormuz.
The Role of China
China already maintains extensive economic and strategic ties across the Middle East, and it may invest in the project by providing financial assistance and loans. Chinese firms also possess extensive experience delivering large-scale infrastructure projects abroad, making them well positioned to contribute to the railway's construction. If China chooses to support the project, it could also gain several strategic advantages: Beijing would benefit from an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, providing a shorter and potentially more secure trade route while strengthening its energy security. Concerns over reliance on the Strait of Malacca have long encouraged China to pursue alternative trade corridors, and the proposed Hijaz Railway aligns with this broader objective of reducing vulnerability to maritime chokepoints.
Possible Implications for the United States
The route would not only provide an alternative for the Gulf states but could also indirectly benefit the United States. By offering Washington's regional partners an additional route for energy exports via the Arabian Sea, the project could contribute to greater resilience in global energy markets. As the initiative is led by Türkiye, a NATO member, it also aligns with broader US interests in maintaining freedom of navigation and energy security.
Conclusion
The proposed revival of the Hijaz Railway has the potential to reshape regional connectivity, but its success will depend on political coordination, sustained financing and cooperation among the transit states. Whether the project develops into a viable trade corridor or remains an ambitious strategic proposal will become clearer as negotiations with Saudi Arabia progress and financial commitments begin to materialise.