Oman-UAE Hafeet Rail Link Targets Trials In Late 2027

Oman, September 2026 — The Oman-UAE railway is moving toward its testing phase, with Omani authorities announcing that trial operations are scheduled for late 2027. The Hafeet Rail project is designed to establish a direct rail connection between Sohar Port and the UAE’s national railway network, supporting both passenger mobility and freight movement.

The 238-kilometre railway is being developed by Hafeet Rail, a joint venture involving Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company. Construction had reached 40% completion by April 2026, with more than 27 million cubic metres of earthworks completed and work progressing on bridges, tunnels and other major structures.

The route crosses mountainous, urban and industrial terrain and includes approximately 2.5 kilometres of tunnels, alongside bridges, viaducts and underpasses. Once operational, passenger trains are planned to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, with the journey from Abu Dhabi to Sohar expected to take around one hour and 40 minutes and the Al Ain–Sohar journey approximately 47 minutes.

Freight is expected to be a major component of the corridor. Directly linking Sohar Port with the UAE railway network would create a new overland route between Omani port and industrial facilities and logistics hubs across the UAE. Hafeet Rail and Noatum Logistics also signed a preliminary agreement in 2025 to explore a dedicated rail freight service between Abu Dhabi and Sohar.

The project represents a significant step in developing cross-border rail connectivity within the Gulf. By combining passenger and freight functions and integrating with existing national railway networks, Hafeet Rail is positioned to support regional logistics flows while providing an alternative to road transport between Oman and the UAE.

Source: CEO Insights Asia