Oman Approves UAE Railway Agreement, Boosting $2.5bn Hafeet Rail Project

Sep 5, 2026

72 min

Sep 5, 2026 00:32

Oman ratifies UAE railway agreement as $2.5bn Hafeet Rail project advances

## Oman Ratifies Railway Agreement with UAE

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has officially ratified a railway agreement with the UAE, marking a significant step forward for the $2.5 billion Hafeet Rail project. This development was formalized under Royal Decree No. 75/2026, part of a series of decrees issued by the Sultan.

## Hafeet Rail Project Details

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

## Economic and Transport Benefits

Beyond passenger travel, the railway will facilitate the movement of goods between Sohar and the UAE's logistics network, benefiting industries such as mining, steel, and agriculture. Passenger trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to approximately 100 minutes.

## Construction Progress

As of April, construction 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.

## Strategic Importance

Hafeet Rail represents the first cross-border railway link between Gulf states, forming a crucial part of a broader regional transport network. The project gained momentum following Sultan Haitham's visit to the UAE in 2024, where key agreements and contracts were finalized.

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