Oman Approves UAE Railway Agreement, Progresses $2.5bn Hafeet Rail Project

Sep 4, 2026

88 min

Sep 4, 2026 15:30

Oman ratifies UAE railway agreement as $2.5bn Hafeet Rail project advances

## Oman Ratifies Railway Agreement with UAE

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has officially ratified an agreement with the UAE to develop a railway link between the two nations. This agreement, part of the $2.5 billion Hafeet Rail project, was ratified under Royal Decree No. 75/2026. The bilateral agreement was initially signed on June 21, 2026, and the decree came into effect on September 3.

## Hafeet Rail Project Details

The Hafeet Rail project is a collaboration between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company. The 238-kilometer railway will connect Sohar in Oman with the UAE's rail network, passing through Al Buraimi and Al Ain. This project aims to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers between the two countries, enhancing trade and connectivity.

## Passenger and Freight Services

Passenger trains on this route are expected to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to approximately 100 minutes. Freight trains will operate at speeds of up to 120 km/h, capable of carrying over 15,000 tonnes of cargo. The railway will support industries such as mining, steel, and agriculture.

## Construction Progress

As of April, construction of the Hafeet Rail project had reached 40% completion. The project involves significant engineering work, including tunnels, bridges, and flood protection measures. Over 27 million cubic meters of earthworks have been completed, with the railway crossing diverse terrains, including urban areas and mountainous regions.

## Significance for the Gulf Region

The Hafeet Rail project is set to be the first cross-border railway link between two Gulf states, marking a significant step in regional transport integration. The project was further solidified during Sultan Haitham's visit to the UAE in April 2024, when key agreements and contracts were finalized.

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