Oman Approves UAE Railway Agreement as Hafeet Rail Project Progresses

Sep 4, 2026

73 min

Sep 4, 2026 22:32

## Oman Ratifies UAE Railway Agreement

Oman has officially ratified an agreement with the UAE to develop a cross-border railway, marking a significant step forward for the $2.5 billion Hafeet Rail project. This development was formalized under Royal Decree No. 75/2026, issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

## Key Features of the Hafeet Rail Project

The Hafeet Rail project, a collaboration between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company, aims to connect Sohar in Oman with the UAE's rail network. The 238-kilometer railway will pass through Al Buraimi and Al Ain, enhancing connectivity between the two nations.

## Economic and Transport Benefits

The railway is designed to facilitate both passenger and freight transport. Passenger trains will travel at speeds up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to approximately 100 minutes. Freight trains will transport up to 15,000 tonnes of cargo, supporting industries such as mining, petrochemicals, and e-commerce.

## Construction Progress

As of April, construction of the railway had reached 40% completion, with significant work underway in key areas like Al Ain and Sohar. The project involves extensive engineering efforts, including tunnels and bridges, to navigate challenging terrains.

## A Landmark for Gulf Cooperation

The Hafeet Rail project represents the first railway link between two Gulf states, contributing to a broader vision for regional transport integration. The project gained momentum following Sultan Haitham's visit to the UAE in 2024, during which crucial agreements and contracts were finalized.

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