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Public-private partnership for railways in the GCC: market evaluation for corporate investors and project proponents

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  • Rajput, Fawad
  • Preston, John

Abstract

Public-private partnership (PPP) is expanding in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In all GCC countries, there are several transport initiatives, predominantly, pertaining to railways, with substantial projected investments. This paper analyses the PPP sector concerning railway and transport initiatives in the GCC region. It presents findings of an online survey conducted in 2022, among industry leaders and subject matter experts in the GCC countries. The survey aimed to assess current PPP practices in GCC countries, examine its development, and evaluate its alignment with established success criteria. The results show an upward trend in the endorsement and promotion of PPP. The findings indicate that industry specialists in the GCC understand elements essential for the success of PPP ventures. The observed variation and breadth of responses among survey participants substantiate the market's relatively nascent and challenging condition. The survey results also show that the GCC countries often score lower than the other OECD high-income countries and need improvements in almost all PPP delivery phases and thematic areas. It is therefore argued that PPP in the GCC nations is a unique and novel endeavour. The findings provide insights into critical reforms to enhance its appeal to international private investors.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajput, Fawad & Preston, John, 2026. "Public-private partnership for railways in the GCC: market evaluation for corporate investors and project proponents," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:retrec:v:115:y:2026:i:c:s0739885925001611
    DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101678
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    References listed on IDEAS

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