Muscat, May 2, 2025 — The joint Oman-UAE railway project, a major cross-border infrastructure initiative, is moving into high gear as construction activities accelerate on both sides of the border. The project, officially known as the Hafeet Rail, aims to strengthen economic ties and enhance transport efficiency between the two Gulf nations.
Spanning approximately 303 kilometers, the railway will link the city of Sohar in Oman with the city of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. Once operational, the line will significantly cut travel and cargo transport time between the two countries, supporting regional trade and offering an alternative to road transportation.
The project is a result of a strategic partnership between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and the UAE’s Mubadala Investment Company. Together, these entities are driving the development and construction of the rail network under the Hafeet Rail joint venture, which was launched to oversee and execute the ambitious plan.
Recent months have seen a rapid increase in construction activity, including track laying, tunnel boring, and the development of essential infrastructure such as bridges, stations, and logistics hubs. The rail corridor is expected to support both freight and passenger services, with passenger trains designed to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h. This would reduce travel time between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to under two hours, a significant improvement over current road travel durations.
The railway is not just a transit link—it is also a major economic driver. A key commercial agreement has been signed with a large industrial group to transport limestone and red shale from Oman to the UAE, with an expected volume of over 4 million tonnes annually for a 15-year period. This partnership exemplifies the long-term economic potential of the railway, particularly for the mining and industrial sectors.
In parallel, contracts have been awarded to major engineering and construction companies for the building of railway facilities in key locations such as Al Buraimi and Sohar. These logistics hubs will serve as central nodes for cargo distribution, allowing for efficient handling and movement of goods throughout the region.
The estimated cost of the Oman-UAE rail project stands at around $3 billion. However, officials and stakeholders believe the long-term benefits will far outweigh the investment. The railway is set to play a crucial role in regional integration, aligning with the broader vision of a unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway network. Once the GCC-wide system is complete, it will enable rail travel and trade from Kuwait to Oman, connecting key economic centers across the Arabian Peninsula.
Environmental considerations are also part of the project’s design. By providing an efficient, low-emission alternative to trucking, the railway will contribute to reducing the region’s carbon footprint, particularly in freight transportation.
Officials from both Oman and the UAE have reaffirmed their commitment to seeing the project through to completion, citing the strategic and economic importance of the railway. The collaboration reflects the growing interdependence of Gulf economies and a shared vision for infrastructure-led development.
Though an official completion date has not been set, progress on the ground indicates that the project is on track. The governments of both nations have highlighted the railway’s potential to transform connectivity, support supply chains, and open up new opportunities for trade and tourism.
As the Oman-UAE railway continues to take shape, it represents not just a physical link between two countries, but a powerful symbol of regional cooperation and forward-looking development. With work gathering pace, the project stands as one of the most significant transport infrastructure ventures in the Arabian Gulf in recent years.
