What if you could travel to Oman and return to the UAE in a single morning? It’s going to be possible soon, thanks to Hafeet Rail.
This major new venture will connect Oman’s port of Sohar to the UAE, providing unified transport and logistics solutions across the region. The cross-border initiative is expected to revolutionise travel, trade and tourism in the Gulf region.
Here’s all you need to know about Hafeet Rail:
What is Hafeet Rail?
Named after Jebel Hafeet, the mountain straddling the UAE-Oman border, Hafeet Rail aligns with both the UAE’s Centennial Plan 2071 and Oman Vision 2040. By creating a first-of-its-kind cross-border transport artery for both passengers and freight in the region, it fosters economic growth, social cohesion and sustainable development in both countries.
The project is a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company. It has secured $1.5 billion (Dh5.5 billion) in financing from a consortium of banks, both regional and international.
What is Hafeet Rail’s impact in the region?
Here are some significant ways Hafeet Rail will make its mark in the region’s trade, tourism and environment sectors:
- Business efficiency: The service is expected to run seven container trains per week, each carrying up to 276 shipping containers per trip. Cargo items include general and manufactured goods, food products, pharmaceuticals, agrifoods and other essentials. This translates to businesses dealing with no road congestion and lower transport costs, as well as reaping the benefits of consistent, scheduled deliveries for time-sensitive items.
- Tourism boost: Slashing travel time between UAE and Oman, and eliminating queuing delays at road border crossings, Hafeet Rail gives travellers a unique and scenic travel option to car or plane journeys.
- Environmental significance: The trains are configured to carry 20-, 40- and 45-foot containers. Since Hafeet Rail is able to move high volumes of bulk cargo with lower fuel consumption, it significantly reduces carbon emissions per tonne. According to the Hafeet Rail website, it is projected to lower carbon emissions by 70% to 80%, compared to heavy truck transport.
- Seamless integration: Hafeet Rail is set to link major industrial zones and ports in both countries, and create a seamless trade corridor. Improving inter-port connectivity means manufacturers can reach markets faster than ever before.
How is the project going?
Hafeet Rail began construction in 2024, and this month, it announced its 40% completion milestone. Construction is advancing rapidly across key strategic locations along the route, including Al Ain, Al Buraimi, Sohar and Wadi Al Jizzi.
Here are its key infrastructure components:
- 2,500-metre-long tunnels
- 36 viaducts
- 21 over-bridges
- 39 underpasses
- 881 culverts
- European Practice Management System (ETCS Degree 2) – a signaling and speed control system that eliminates the need for traditional lineside signals.
- Fibre optics connectivity – for superior communication and monitoring
How long is Hafeet Rail?
Once complete, the railway track will span 303km, with its main corridor from Abu Dhabi to Sohar covering 238km. The route carves through visually striking and diverse landscapes, from urban and industrial zones to mountainous terrain and deep wadis.
The Hafeet Rail will connect more than 12 passenger stations and cities across UAE and Oman. It will also link five major ports and more than 15 integrated freight facilities.
How much time will passengers save on Hafeet Rail?
Like Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail’s passenger trains are expected to run at a top speed of 200km/h. Freight trains will achieve speeds of up to 120km/h.
The journey from Abu Dhabi to Sohar by train will be reduced to 1 hour 40 minutes, down from the current 3 hours 25 minutes by road. From Sohar to Al Ain, the trip takes just 47 minutes, as compared to the current duration of 1 hour 27 minutes by road.