The UAE-Oman ‘Hafeet Rail’ project, linking the UAE to the Port of Sohar in Oman, has secured $1.5 billion in financing through a consortium of Emirati, Omani, and international banks, with contributions in both UAE dirhams and Omani rials. This 238km railway network will feature 60 bridges, some up to 34 meters high, and tunnels stretching 2.5km. The project will connect five major ports and several industrial and free zones, cutting travel time between Abu Dhabi and Sohar to 100 minutes, with passenger trains accommodating up to 400 travelers and reaching speeds of 200 km/h. Freight trains will transport over 15,000 tons of cargo per trip, benefiting industries like mining, agriculture, and petrochemicals.
The project, named after Jebel Hafeet, symbolizes the historic ties between the UAE and Oman and is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and connectivity in the region. It marks the first step in creating a unified transport and logistics network across the region, delivering competitive advantages for both nations. The financing, reduced from an initial $3 billion to $2.5 billion, was finalized with the help of lead financial advisor Standard Chartered and co-advisor First Abu Dhabi Bank. The project aligns with the UAE’s Centennial Plan 2071 and Oman Vision 2040, promoting sustainable development and economic growth.
Senior officials from both countries, including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, and Sheikh Nasser bin Sulaiman Al Harthy, Deputy Chairman for Operations at the Oman Investment Authority, attended the announcement ceremony during the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference in Abu Dhabi.
