The groundbreaking Hafeet Rail project, which will connect the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a cutting-edge railway network, is currently in the preparatory stages of construction. This transformative link is set to revolutionize trade and transportation between the two nations, unlocking new opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, and economic diversification while strengthening bilateral relations. The project will include the construction of 60 bridges, some towering up to 34 meters in height, and tunnels stretching 2.5 kilometers in length, all equipped with the latest rail technologies and innovative engineering solutions to overcome challenging geographical terrain and weather conditions.
The Hafeet Rail team, along with key officials and project stakeholders, recently conducted a site visit to familiarize themselves with the key stops for passengers, repair and shipping stations, as well as important bridges and tunnel sites. The project is being praised for its efficiency and thorough planning, with contracts awarded last month coinciding with a state visit from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the UAE. The project’s rapid progress reflects the commitment of both nations to advancing development and reaping the benefits of the railway network as quickly as possible.
The Hafeet Rail project is expected to not only stimulate various industrial sectors and economic activities but also significantly boost the tourism industry by enabling easier and faster travel between Oman and the UAE. By reducing dependency on road transport and offering a more sustainable option for transporting goods, the railway network is set to reduce shipping costs by 40% and transit times by 50% compared to traditional land transportation methods. This shift towards rail transport will also create opportunities for SMEs in construction, engineering, and logistics support, promoting economic growth and innovation within the domestic economy.
Ahmed Al Bulushi, Asyad Group Chief Executive Asset Management, commended the engineers and architects leading the Hafeet Rail project for bringing this visionary initiative to life. He highlighted the importance of investing in developing local capabilities and expertise in various disciplines related to the rail network, which has enabled the project to successfully enter the implementation phase under the leadership of national talent. Eng. Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, expressed confidence in the robust synergy between all parties involved in both nations, emphasizing a steadfast focus on quality, safety, and the environment in line with international industry practices.
The Hafeet Rail project is set to connect five major ports and several industrial and free zones across Oman and the UAE, offering local SMEs the opportunity to import, export, and distribute their products with greater efficiency and competitiveness in the market. By linking major ports along the route, the project aims to promote more sustainable shipping practices and reduce reliance on road transport, ultimately driving economic growth and innovation within the region. This seismic shift in goods transportation methods is expected to have a positive impact on various sectors, boosting local economies and strengthening ties between the two Gulf nations.
