Hafeet Rail, a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), announced the completion of 40 per cent of the Oman-UAE rail connection project, one of the most prominent strategic joint infrastructure, transport, and logistics initiatives in the region.
Spanning 238 kilometres, the project aims to develop an integrated, high-efficiency transport and logistics system that supports trade flow, enhances supply chain resilience, and contributes to deeper economic integration between the two nations.
Construction is advancing rapidly across key strategic locations along the route, including Al Ain Region, Al Buraimi, Sohar, and Wadi Al Jizzi. The corridor spans diverse landscapes—from urban and industrial zones to mountainous terrain and deep wadis, which require specialised engineering solutions, such as large-scale excavation, the construction of major bridges and tunnels, and the implementation of integrated flood protection systems to ensure safe, sustainable, and long-term operations.
Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, CEO of Asyad Group in the Sultanate of Oman, one the partners of Hafeet Rail, said: “The pace of implementation reflects our shared commitment to launching this project and delivering passenger and freight services according to schedule. This progress builds upon the foundations established through the development of the railway sector in the Sultanate of Oman since the launch of Oman Rail, which formed the original vision and strategic foundation for this initiative. We are proud today to see national talent playing a leading role across all aspects of the project, and the capabilities we have built and nurtured over the past decade are delivering tangible results.”
Progress continues at scale, with over 27 million cubic metres of earthworks completed to date. Concrete works have exceeded 100,000 cubic metres, while tunnel excavation progress marks a key milestone. Major structures are also advancing, with 80 structures under construction at various stages, alongside the execution of 900 concrete piles and 130 box culverts.
In addition, works continue on key facilities and infrastructure in Sohar and Al Buraimi, supporting the project’s future role in connecting ports, industrial zones, and logistics hubs, and enabling efficient cross-border freight movement within a fully integrated regional transport network.
Ahmed AlMusawa AlHashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, said: “Reaching the 40 per cent completion milestone reflects the strong foundations of this project. As we move into the next phase of delivery, our focus remains on maintaining momentum, strengthening collaboration among partners, and ensuring the project delivers long-term value in line with the highest international standards.
“From a health and safety perspective, we achieved ten million safe man-hours without any major injuries, reflecting the strength of our safety systems, effective risk management practices, and the deeply embedded safety culture across all our project sites.”
The railway systems, signalling, control, and communications technologies being deployed meet the highest internationally recognised standards, ensuring safety and seamless interoperability between Omani and UAE networks while enhancing operational efficiency. These advanced systems enable reduced train headways, increased operational capacity, and improved automation—delivering reliable performance across all operational and weather conditions.
The Hafeet Rail project will also establish the foundation for future passenger rail services, supporting tourism, business mobility, and social connectivity between Oman and the UAE, in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the UAE’s national development goals.
The project supports economic diversification, advances the transport and logistics sector, and delivers modern, sustainable infrastructure. It also reduces reliance on conventional road transport, lowers emissions, and enhances regional integration, reflecting the strength of bilateral relations and a shared vision for a more connected and prosperous future.
