Hafeet Rail Will Launch Trial Operations in Q4 2027
The Oman-UAE railway project will connect Sohar Port to the UAE national network via high-speed trains.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Middle East
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Hafeet Rail is preparing to initiate trial operations for its cross-border railway connecting Oman and the UAE in the fourth quarter of 2027. The project, which links Sohar Port to the UAE national network, aims to significantly accelerate travel and logistics across the region.
Why it matters
This infrastructure development is designed to integrate the economies of Oman and the UAE by streamlining passenger transit and freight logistics. The project serves as a critical bridge that traverses the challenging terrain of the Hajar mountain region to link major industrial and transit hubs.
The 2.5km tunnel network and over 27 million cubic metres of earthworks have brought construction to 40% completion. Passenger trains are engineered for top speeds of 200km per hour, targeting travel times of 47 minutes between Al Ain and Sohar.
The players
Hafeet Rail
This entity is a joint venture established by Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and the Mubadala Investment Company to develop the Oman-UAE railway.
Noatum Logistics
This is a logistics services provider that entered into a preliminary agreement with Hafeet Rail in 2025.
The details
The rail corridor facilitates transit from Sohar Port in Oman to the UAE via Al Buraimi and Al Ain using advanced engineering like viaducts and underpasses. It is a collaborative initiative between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and the Mubadala Investment Company to bolster cross-border connectivity.
Timeline
In 2025, Hafeet Rail signed a preliminary agreement with Noatum Logistics.
As of April 2026, construction on the project reached 40 percent completion.
Trial operations are expected to commence in Q4 2027.
Travel Outlook
This project aligns with regional efforts to modernize transit infrastructure across the Arabian Peninsula. It follows the established trend of utilizing rail as the primary mode for high-capacity, international passenger and freight movement in the Middle East.
Travelers will eventually be able to move between Abu Dhabi and Sohar in just 1 hour and 40 minutes once the line is fully operational. Future passengers should anticipate the ability to bypass traditional road transit between these major hubs, potentially reducing travel time significantly.
The takeaway
The implementation of this high-speed link marks a transformation in regional transit efficiency for the Arabian Peninsula. Residents and businesses should monitor the Q4 2027 schedule for official updates on ticketing and route availability.
Further reading
For more information on infrastructure developments, visit the Middle East section.
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