The UAE-Oman Rail Network is rapidly progressing, marking a pivotal moment in Gulf transport integration. Heavy machinery has already begun groundwork along key segments of the planned line, laying the foundation for a modern cross-border railway system to reshape trade, travel, and economic collaboration between the two nations.

At the heart of the initiative is Hafeet Rail, a newly formed joint venture entrusted with developing, operating, and maintaining the expansive rail corridor. This entity is tasked with bringing to life a seamless, high-performance infrastructure linking major industrial and logistics hubs in the UAE and Oman.

More than just a transport link, the rail network symbolizes deepening strategic ties and mutual economic ambition. At approximately $2.5 billion (960 million Omani rials), the project is one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure collaborations to date.

Once complete, the network will span 238 kilometers, connecting five key ports and industrial centers, including Sohar Port in Oman and major facilities in the UAE. The railway’s freight system will be capable of hauling over 15,000 tonnes per journey, equivalent to roughly 270 standard containers—a leap forward in regional logistics capacity and sustainability.

The passenger experience will also be redefined, with high-speed trains reaching up to 200 km/h and slashing the travel time between Abu Dhabi and Sohar to just 100 minutes. Each train will carry up to 400 passengers, offering a faster and greener alternative to road travel.

Engineering efforts include 60 bridges and tunnels, spanning more than 2.5 kilometers of underground construction, showcasing advanced design tailored to challenging desert and mountainous terrain.

This infrastructure venture aligns with both countries’ national visions—Oman Vision 2040 and the UAE Centennial 2071—which emphasize economic diversification, technological advancement, and environmental responsibility.

Beyond physical connectivity, the railway promises broader economic and ecological benefits. It is expected to spur job creation, improve trade routes, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting long-haul trucking. It also enhances regional resilience by integrating into broader plans, such as the GCC Railway.