QATAR: National development agency Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Co has signed a memorandum of understanding with Deutsche Bahn for the planning of a rail network.

The German national railway will prepare concepts for passenger and freight transport, and undertake a feasibility study for a fast rail link to Doha airport.

A DB spokesman told Railway Gazette International that the project is at the concept and planning phase, with many details still to be agreed.

Earlier this year a 140 km light rail network was proposed as part of Qatar's bid to stage the 2016 Olympic Games.