UAE-Oman Rail Network Breaks Ground with $3 Billion Investment

Construction has officially commenced on the highly anticipated $3 billion rail network connecting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. The groundbreaking project, now named Hafeet Rail, marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two Gulf nations.

The shareholder agreement for the joint venture was signed by Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company during the state visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, to the UAE. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, witnessed the historic signing ceremony.

Why this matters: This rail network has the potential to revolutionize trade and commerce between the UAE and Oman, boosting economic growth and regional integration. The project's success could also serve as a model for future infrastructure development in the region, fostering greater cooperation and collaboration among Gulf nations.

The Hafeet Rail network is set to revolutionize transportation between the UAE and Oman, with passenger trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. The journey from Sohar to Abu Dhabi will take a mere 100 minutes, while traveling from Sohar to Al Ain will be reduced to just 47 minutes. Each train will have the capacity to carry up to 400 passengers,providing a convenient and efficient mode of transportbetween the two countries.

The rail network will also significantly boost freight transport, with a single freight train journey capable of transporting more than 15,000 tonnes of cargo, equivalent to around 270 standard containers. This enhanced freight capacity is expected to drive efficiencies within the supply chain, facilitating cross-border trade and connecting commercial ports to railways within both nations.

Hafeet Rail is poised to amplify the UAE and Oman as gateways to regional markets, contributing to the diversification of the national economies and fostering sustainable development across both countries. The project is expected to create numerous job opportunities across railway operations and indirect downstream sectors,nurturing the development of national talent pools.

The name Hafeet Rail pays homage to Jebel Hafeet, a mountain range of great strategic and historical significance that connects the UAE and Oman. "The name reflects the strategic significance and historical importance of Jebel Hafeet, which serves as a link between the two neighbors through its rugged terrain," stated a spokesperson for the joint venture.

The civil works and construction tender for the joint network has been awarded to an Omani-Emirati alliance led by Trojan Construction Group (NPC) and Galfar Engineering and Contracting. Meanwhile, a joint venture between Siemens and HAC has secured the tender for the systems and integration of the railway network, ensuring the fleet is equipped with the latest rail technologies and advancements.

The $3 billion Hafeet Rail project stands as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Oman, as well as their shared vision for economic growth and regional integration. With construction now underway, thetransformative impact of this rail networkon tourism, business, and logistics in both countries is set to become a reality in the near future.