Hafeet Rail has revealed that preparatory work for the construction of the railway link between Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has commenced.  

This announcement was made during a site visit by officials and executive management from Asyad and Hafeet Rail, alongside project contractors and consultants. 

The project encompasses the construction of 60 bridges, with some reaching heights of up to 34m, and tunnels extending over 2.5km, according to a press release posted on Zawya.  

Hafeet Rail CEO Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi said: “The commencement of preparatory works for construction is a testament to the robust synergy between all concerned parties in both nations and has made this milestone possible in record time.  

“We are confidently laying down the right tracks thanks to the shareholders of Hafeet Rail and the expertise of a number of local companies in Oman and the UAE in addition to international partners.” 

The rail network is said to be the first of its kind to link two Gulf nations. 

It is expected to stimulate various industrial sectors, enhance economic activities, foster the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to the tourism industry by facilitating easier and faster travel between the two countries. 

It is also set to improve goods transportation methods across the region and handle substantial cargo volumes.  

The project aims to reduce shipping costs by 40% and 50% for transit times and will connect five ports and several industrial and free zones across both countries.

This link is further expected to unlock opportunities in construction, engineering, and logistics support.