The Hafeet Rail project is reshaping how the UAE Oman region will travel and trade in the near future. Construction is well underway on this historic 303-kilometre railway that will connect Al Ain in the UAE to Sohar in Oman.
This cross-border line is the first of its kind between the Oman and UAE, offering both passenger and freight services. When complete, the train will cut travel time from Abu Dhabi to Sohar down to just 100 minutes. A trip from Sohar to Al Ain will take under 50 minutes.
Hafeet Rail Will Redefine Cross-Border Travel
As of now, over one million hours of construction work have already been completed without a single injury, reflecting the pace and care of this joint effort. The Hafeet Rail is being built through a partnership between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala, showing strong cooperation between Oman and UAE stakeholders.
For freight, the line will support heavy-haul trains carrying up to 15,000 tonnes. That will reduce the number of trucks crossing the border, easing road traffic and cutting emissions. Passenger trains will reach speeds of 200 km/h, while freight trains will travel up to 120 km/h.
Major international companies are also on board. Siemens Mobility and Hassan Allam Construction are working on the signaling and telecom systems. Progress Rail is supplying 27 high-powered locomotives designed for the Gulf’s harsh weather.
This isn’t just a train line; it’s a sign of connection. The project promises stronger economic ties, easier travel, and new opportunities for both locals and tourists by bringing the UAE Oman region closer together.
The Hafeet Rail line is an important part of the Gulf Railway project as a whole. There hasn’t been an official opening date set yet, but excitement is building as progress continues. For now, it marks a major step forward in transforming how people and goods move between Oman and UAE.
