As of October 1, 2025, the UAE and Oman’s ambitious cross-border Hafeet Rail project is nearing completion, marking a major step forward in regional rail integration. The 238-kilometre network connecting Abu Dhabi to Oman’s Sohar Port is now over halfway built, and is poised to reshape freight and passenger transport across the Gulf.
Progress update – Construction nears the finish line
The Hafeet Rail project, also known as UAE-Oman rail, which formally launched on April 23, 2024, is making rapid construction progress, according to Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak. Speaking during a panel at the Global Rail event in Abu Dhabi, Malak confirmed that the cross-border railway is “almost close to the finish line,” with construction currently between 50–70 percent complete. The project is being spearheaded by Hafeet Rail Company, a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Mubadala, and Oman’s Asyad Group. It represents the first-ever cross-border railway network in the region, aiming to directly connect the UAE and Oman via a modern, integrated rail system. The construction phase has seen substantial momentum in both countries. As of May 2025, groundwork, railbed preparation, and major structural works, particularly on bridges and tunnels, were actively underway, as reported by Zawya Projects. The line will eventually be capable of handling passenger and freight operations, supporting a new era of streamlined cross-border mobility. In parallel, Etihad Rail is also expanding domestic connections, with its first freight service linking DP World in Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah expected to launch within two weeks, as revealed by Malak.
UAE-Oman Rail: Boosting trade, tourism, and cross-border logistics
The UAE-Oman rail network serves as a critical part of the GCC’s vision for a unified transport and logistics chain, delivering shared economic and strategic value. By linking the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi with Sohar Port—one of Oman’s key maritime hubs—the project will significantly enhance cross-border trade, industrial connectivity, and logistics flow between the two nations. The railway is expected to bolster a range of sectors including:
- Mining
- Iron and Steel
- Agriculture and Food
- Retail and E-commerce
- Petrochemicals
Once fully operational, each freight train will be capable of transporting over 15,000 tonnes of cargo, equivalent to around 270 standard containers in a single journey. Beyond cargo, Hafeet Rail is also designed to play a central role in passenger mobility, with the potential to transform tourism and business travel between the UAE and Oman. The project is expected to support more than 12 passenger stations, enhancing access to major cities in both countries. It also aligns with broader tourism strategies that position each nation as the other’s first port of call.
Project infrastructure – Engineering at scale
The scale and complexity of the Hafeet Rail infrastructure reflects the significance of the project. The 238-kilometre network will support train speeds of up to 200 km/h and incorporates a comprehensive array of civil engineering and safety systems, including:
- 2,500 metres of tunnels
- 36 viaducts
- 21 over-bridges
- 39 under-passes
- 881 culverts
To ensure high safety and operational standards, the project will utilize the European Train Control System (ETCS Level 2) and feature fiber optics connectivity for advanced communication and monitoring. The network’s design will also link five major ports and over 15 integrated freight facilities, enabling seamless intermodal movement between road, sea, and rail logistics corridors.
Investments and contracting: Multi-billion dirham commitment
In April 2024, Hafeet Rail awarded three major civil works packages valued at a combined AED 5.5 billion (USD 1.5 billion). The contracts were granted to a consortium consisting of:
- National Projects Construction (NPC)
- National Infrastructure Construction Company (NICC)
- Tristar Engineering & Construction
- Galfar Engineering & Contracting (Oman-based)
Looking ahead
With construction now between 50–70% complete, the next tangible milestones for the Hafeet Rail project include track installation, systems integration, and testing of freight operations. Initial freight services—expected to move over 15,000 tonnes per train—will be prioritized ahead of passenger operations. Testing and commissioning phases are anticipated to begin by early 2026, with phased operational rollouts likely to follow shortly after. As of October 2025, both governments are advancing coordination on border infrastructure, customs integration, and terminal readiness to ensure seamless cross-border functionality once services begin.
