Hafeet Rail: UAE-Oman rail network construction set to begin

Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company have inked an agreement to commence construction of the Omani-Emirati railway network project. The signing ceremony also witnessed the signing of agreements to award the civil works and construction tender, the systems and integration tender of the network, as well as the launch of the new corporate identity of the Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala joint venture. Formerly Oman-Etihad Rail Company, the joint venture will now be known as Hafeet Rail.

Enhancing economic and commercial integration

The Omani-Emirati railway network project aims to enhance the historical relations between Oman and the UAE. Moreover, it seeks to support economic and commercial integration and strengthen social and cultural ties between the two countries.

The network, which boasts a total investment value of $3 billion, will further support the UAE and Oman as gateways to regional markets. Moreover, it will pave the way for job creation across railway operations in addition to indirect downstream opportunities throughout various sectors in both countries.

For his part, Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, president of the Oman Investment Authority, noted that the Omani-Emirati railway network project is a significant addition to the logistics sector. It will play a crucial role in stimulating various industrial sectors and economic activities and increase commercial and investment opportunities for the private sector. Moreover, it will support the integration of Omani port activities and link them to regional and international markets. This will drive the competitiveness of the two countries at a global trade level, which will in turn enhance their economic prosperity.

Civil works and construction tender

The Omani-Emirati alliance’s leadership, Trojan Construction Group (NPC), and Galfar Engineering and Contracting signed an agreement for the civil works and construction tender of the Omani-Emirati railway network. The alliance will also include Tristar Engineering & Construction (TE&C) and National Infrastructure Construction Company (NICC).

Systems and integration

A joint venture between Siemens and HAC signed an agreement for another tender for the systems and integration of the railway network. This will ensure that the Omani-Emirati railway network’s fleet includes the latest rail technologies and advancements.

The trains will utilize the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, which is the most advanced system of its kind in the world. This ensures the highest levels of efficiency and safety in accordance with international standards and best practices. Therefore, the network’s infrastructure will include full digital train control and tracking through GPS technology, enhancing the network’s reliability.