The Oman UAE railway has hit a big milestone. Specifically, 40% of Hafeet Rail is now built and progressing fast. Therefore, the project is firmly on track to meet its goals. Furthermore, this news comes at a time when Gulf infrastructure is growing at record speed. So, this railway stands out as one of the most exciting projects in the region today.
What Is Hafeet Rail?
Hafeet Rail is a joint venture between three strong partners. First, Etihad Rail leads the UAE side of the project. Second, Oman Rail, which is part of Asyad Group, represents Oman. Third, Mubadala Investment Company from Abu Dhabi brings key financial backing. Together, these three partners commit $3 billion to deliver this railway. Moreover, the line runs 238 kilometres in total, making it one of the longest cross-border rail projects in the Gulf. Specifically, it connects the Sohar Port Free Zone in northeastern Oman directly to the UAE rail network, opening up major new trade routes between the two countries.
How Did the Project Start?
The project launched in 2022 under the name “Oman and Etihad Rail Company”. Subsequently, the partners rebranded it as Hafeet Rail. They chose this name because of Jebel Hafeet, the famous mountain on the Oman-UAE border. Indeed, this mountain acts as a natural and symbolic meeting point between the two nations. Therefore, the name reflects the spirit of this strong cross-border partnership perfectly.
Smart Engineering for Tough Terrain
The Oman UAE railway crosses some very challenging land. On one hand, the line includes two tunnels, and each tunnel stretches 2.5 kilometres through solid rock. On the other hand, engineers also design 36 bridges to cross deep valleys and steep mountain ridges safely. Furthermore, the route cuts through busy cities, active industrial zones and remote rugged landscapes. As a result, the engineering team builds integrated flood protection systems into the design from day one. Consequently, the project tackles both natural and urban obstacles with smart, modern solutions.
Fast Progress on the Ground in 2026
Construction teams work actively across four key locations right now. These sites include Al Ain, Al Buraimi, Wadi Al Jizzi and Sohar, and each one plays a vital role in the overall schedule. According to the Oman News Agency, work advances at an accelerated pace across all areas. In terms of earthworks, teams move 27 million cubic metres of soil and rock so far. Meanwhile, concrete work surpasses 100,000 cubic metres and continues to grow daily. Additionally, tunnel drilling moves ahead steadily through its various phases. Therefore, the overall picture shows a project that delivers results consistently and confidently.
Big Benefits for Trade and the Environment
The Oman UAE railway brings powerful benefits to both trade and the environment. In terms of cargo capacity, each freight train carries over 25,000 tonnes per single trip across the two countries. Consequently, this capability transforms cross-border trade between Oman and the UAE dramatically. Furthermore, businesses along the route gain faster, cheaper and more reliable access to key markets. On top of that, the railway cuts carbon emissions by 10 times compared to traditional road transport. Therefore, this project not only boosts the economy but also helps the region meet its sustainability goals. For more details on the project, visit the official Etihad Rail website.
Final Thoughts
The 40% completion mark shows that the Oman UAE railway moves well beyond the planning stage. Based on current progress, Sohar Port will soon grow into a top-tier regional logistics hub. Furthermore, new trade corridors open up between Oman and the UAE as construction moves forward. Ultimately, Hafeet Rail becomes a cornerstone of Gulf transport infrastructure for many decades to come. Stay updated with the latest Gulf infrastructure news on GearsME.
