The $2.5 billion UAE-to-Oman cross-border railway project, officially named Hafeet Rail, has reached a major milestone with construction surpassing 40% completion. Developed as a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company, the 238-kilometer corridor is transitioning into its heavy civil and infrastructure phase. Heavy earthwork operations have cleared over 27 million cubic meters of material, and teams have commenced complex track-laying operations. Specialized engineering is currently focused on tunneling through the Hajar Mountains and building 57 bridge and viaduct structures designed to navigate deep valleys and withstand local wadi flooding.
Connecting the port city of Sohar in Oman to the UAE’s national rail network outside Abu Dhabi, the project is designed to fundamentally reshape regional logistics and tourism. Equipped with advanced international signaling and control systems, the network will safely operate passenger trains at speeds up to 200 km/h, slashing travel time between Abu Dhabi and Sohar to just 100 minutes while freight trains will run at up to 120 km/h. Beyond enhancing economic integration and supply chain resilience between the two nations, analysts note that the project provides a critical strategic alternative for moving goods by bypassing the volatile shipping routes of the Strait of Hormuz.
Also, this project reinstates UAE’S position as a leading railway infrastructure developer in the Middle East. Just recently, UAE is gearing up its railway infrastructure with the unveiling of the Dubai Metro Gold Line. This is in bid to improve connectivity in Dubai
March 17, 2023
Pre-qualification bids have officially been invited for the implementation of the UAE-Oman Rail Network Project that will produce the needed, connection between the UAE and Oman. Its operator and developer, the Oman-Etihad Rail Company, made the announcement inviting companies that specialize in the delivery as well as execution of mega infrastructure projects.
Reportedly, prospective contractors should demonstrate individually, or as a joint venture, that they possess the necessary resources. The bidders must also be local firms. If not, then the bidder must be a part of a consortium or joint venture that’s led by a local company registered in Oman or the UAE.
The submission deadline is 27 March 2023. The winning bidder will carry out ground laying works. Additionally, the company will devise the work plan for the UAE-Oman Rail Network Project, comprising its schedule and financial mechanism.
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The UAE-Oman Rail Network Project
The rail network will be 303 kilometers long from Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network. It will create a link from Oman to Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital.
The project is developed by Oman-Etihad Rail Company, a joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail at a total value of US$3 billion. The developer is responsible for the design, building, and operation of the railway network.
Through official statements, Oman-Etihad Rail Company said that the project’s design is up to the best of international specifications. As a result, it will improve the efficiency of travel between the two countries alongside, cost and time. Furthermore, the project strives to improve the quality of life and strengthen social and familial connections. Additionally, the project aims to enhance and organize the tourism and logistics sectors.
Project Factsheet
Official Project Name: Hafeet Rail
Total Investment Cost: $2.5 Billion
Total Route Length: 238 kilometers
Primary Alignment: Links the strategic Port of Sohar (Oman) to the UAE National Rail Network at Al Wathba (Abu Dhabi), passing through Al Ain and Al Buraimi.
Network Reach: Integrates with 5 major regional ports, over 15 freight terminals, and more than 12 passenger stations across both nations.
Current Status: Construction has surpassed 40% completion and has transitioned into the track-laying phase.
Maximum Speed: 200 km/h (passenger services) 120km/h (freight)
Train/Cargo Capacity: Up to 400 passengers per fleet train, Up to 15,000 tonnes (approx. 270 standard containers) per journey
Project Proponent: Hafeet Rail Joint Venture Company
Joint Venture Shareholders:
- Etihad Rail (UAE)
- Oman Rail (Oman)
- Mubadala Investment (UAE Sovereign Wealth Fund)
Project Management and Engineering Consultant: Systra DB&I (Design, Build & Integration division)
Signaling Consortium: Siemens Mobility in collaboration with Hassan Allam Construction
Logistics Terminals Design: TYPSA (developing detailed BIM Level 350 modeling for the Sohar Port container terminal and Al Buraimi border hubs).
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