The UAE–Oman Hafeet Rail project is gathering momentum, marking a major milestone in Gulf connectivity and regional trade integration. In a significant development, Noatum Logistics signed an agreement in October with Hafeet Rail to operate freight services on the new cross-border railway corridor linking Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
The 238-kilometre rail line, built at an estimated cost of around USD 2.5 billion, will connect Sohar Port in Oman with Abu Dhabi, creating the first cross-border railway link between the two countries. Designed as a high-performance mixed-use corridor, the line will carry container freight trains at speeds of up to 120 kmph, while passenger services will operate at speeds reaching 200 kmph.
Once operational, the railway is expected to cut travel time between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to approximately 100 minutes, dramatically improving mobility for both cargo and passengers. The shift from road to rail is also projected to divert thousands of heavy truck movements from desert highways every week, easing congestion, reducing emissions, and enhancing road safety across the region.
A key strategic advantage of the Hafeet Rail corridor lies in its direct linkage of ports, free zones, and major industrial hubs in both countries. By seamlessly connecting Sohar Port, one of Oman’s principal maritime gateways, with Abu Dhabi’s industrial and logistics ecosystem, the rail line is expected to unlock new efficiencies across supply chains.
Industry estimates suggest the corridor could tap into nearly USD 500 billion worth of regional trade flows, significantly lowering logistics costs for exporters and importers alike. The improved connectivity is also anticipated to catalyse fresh investments in logistics parks, warehousing facilities, and manufacturing clusters along the route, reinforcing the UAE and Oman’s roles as key trade and transshipment hubs in the wider Middle East.
Beyond commercial benefits, the project aligns closely with both nations’ long-term economic diversification and sustainability agendas, supporting greener transport solutions while strengthening cross-border economic cooperation.
As construction and operational planning progress, the UAE–Oman Hafeet Rail project is increasingly being seen as a transformative infrastructure initiative—one that could redefine how goods and people move across the eastern Arabian Peninsula.
