Work is officially underway on the highly anticipated multi-billion-dollar UAE–Oman railway, known as Hafeet Rail — the region’s first cross-border rail network. This joint venture between Etihad Rail and Oman Rail will link the UAE’s Etihad Rail network at Al Ain with the Port of Sohar in Oman.
Key Features:
Length & Speed: 303 km of track, designed for speeds up to 200 km/h.
Travel Time: Journeys between Abu Dhabi and Sohar will be cut from 3.5 hours to just 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Passenger Capacity: Trains will accommodate up to 400 passengers and connect through 12 stations across both countries.
Freight Capacity: Each freight train will carry the equivalent of 300 trucks, reducing truck-related carbon emissions by 80%. A single trip can transport up to 15,000 tonnes of cargo.
Construction began in May 2024, following a shareholder agreement and the awarding of major construction contracts. Joint UAE–Oman teams are working along the railway alignment in Oman’s North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi governorates and in Abu Dhabi. Over 1 million man-hours have already been invested in the project.
The railway will traverse diverse landscapes, from desert plains to mountain ranges, including Jebel Hafeet — the inspiration for its name. Innovative and sustainable engineering solutions are being implemented to handle challenging terrain, weather conditions, and seasonal water flows.
Hafeet Rail will connect five major ports and multiple free zones in both countries, boosting trade, improving logistics, and aligning with the GCC’s long-term Gulf Railway vision. While the completion timeline is still being finalised, the project board aims to set a record-breaking implementation schedule.
Source: timeoutabudhabi.com
