The evolution of high-speed rail (HSR) over the course of the late 20th and early 21st century has not only made significant contributions to the entire transportation system but has also shown significant potential to promote regional development.To preserve this positive momentum, global advancement of the construction, and the operation and maintenance (O&M) of HSR systems is imperative. This policy brief provides a detailed overview of the newly developed Haramain HSR and provides recommendations and lessons that can be drawn from this distinctive HSR system.The Development of HSR in Saudi Arabia The Haramain HSR is a double-track 450-kilometer electric-rail link that connects the major Saudi Arabian cities of Makkah (Mecca), Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). It isthe first HSR system in the Middle East and isfaster than its Saudi Arabian predecessors: the Dammam-Riyadh Line and the North-South Railway Line. The Saudi Railway Organization began construction of the Haramain HSR in 2009 and divided the project into two phases through a public-private partnership that allocated $16 billion in investment (Alarabiya News 2016; Railway Technology).