Implementation stage of Oman – Etihad Rail launches

Oman – Etihad Rail is a joint venture owned by the governments of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at delivering the East-West rail project from Abu Dhabi to Sohar.

The 303km line is part of an extensive project to connect the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The project has now entered its implementation phase. Key measures have been undertaken for the highly expected railway that will shuttle passengers on trains between the UAE and Oman, a top official revealed on Tuesday.

Partnership agreements have been signed and key contracts have been bestowed to UAE and Omani companies that will be working as one team, said Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail.

Now called Hafeet Rail, the line will connect the Omani port city Sohar with the UAE National Railway network, which already links the seven emirates that make up the UAE.

The new name has originated from the railway line’s scenic route — from Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area to the Omani city and port of Sohar. Trains will be taking passengers via distinct geographical regions from desert to mountainous and valley regions — passing along Jebel Hafeet, hence the name.

Al Hashemi, speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the spinoffs of the joint UAE-Oman Business Forum in Abu Dhabi, said the project will generate numerous economic and social benefits.

He emphasized that the railways work with high efficacy in terms of safety and security and are amidst the most sustainable means of transportation ecologically.

“The UAE-Oman railway project will serve as a catalyst for further cooperation in various economic and industrial sectors,” Al Hashemi said, noting its direct impact on passenger movement between the two countries that would further boost tourism and bilateral ties.

The joint network strengthens the strategic and historic bond linking United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.