Hafeet Rail targets 2027 for Oman-UAE link

Hafeet Rail is set to strengthen freight connectivity between Oman and the UAE, with the 238km railway linking Sohar with the UAE’s national rail network through Buraimi and Al Ain. Trial operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, adding a rail option for cargo moving between Oman’s port and industrial areas and regional markets.

H E Saeed bin Hamood Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the project is progressing across Sohar, Buraimi, Wadi Al Jizzi and Al Ain. The project is being developed by Hafeet Rail, a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail and Mubadala Investment Company.

The rail link comes as Oman sees higher cargo activity amid changing regional trade flows. Monthly truck movements have increased by around 100,000, while port handling activity has risen by between 27% and 430%.

Hafeet Rail said in April that the project had reached 40% completion, with track installation subsequently beginning. The route includes around 2.5km of tunnels, as well as bridges, viaducts and underpasses.

Freight services will connect Sohar’s port and industrial infrastructure directly with the UAE rail network, providing an additional route for cargo movement between the two markets. Passenger trains will be designed to travel at speeds of up to 200km per hour.