Hafeet Rail will connect Al Ain and Sohar in just 47 minutes, while Abu Dhabi to Sohar journeys will take around 100 minutes. The UAE-Oman railway is expected to begin trial operations in late 2027, with commercial passenger launch dates yet to be confirmed.
ABU DHABI: Travelling from the UAE to Oman could soon become much faster. Hafeet Rail plans to connect Al Ain and Sohar in just 47 minutes. Passengers could also travel from Abu Dhabi to Sohar in around 100 minutes.
The 238-kilometre railway will connect major cities, ports and industrial hubs. It aims to make cross-border travel easier and improve trade between the two countries.
What is the UAE-Oman railway project?
Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company are developing the railway together.
The route will connect Sohar in Oman with the UAE’s national railway network. It will pass through Al Buraimi and Al Ain, linking Oman with Abu Dhabi and other UAE destinations.
The project will serve both passengers and freight operators.
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How long will UAE to Oman train journeys take?
The railway promises much shorter journeys between major destinations.
The planned travel times are:
- Al Ain to Sohar: 47 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Sohar: 100 minutes
Passenger trains will reach speeds of up to 200km/h. Freight trains will travel at speeds of up to 120km/h.
These faster connections could make weekend trips and business travel more convenient.
When will Hafeet Rail open?
Construction teams continue work across Al Ain, Al Buraimi, Wadi Al Jizzi and Sohar.
In April 2026, project developers reported that construction had reached 40 per cent completion.
Omani authorities expect trial operations to begin in the final quarter of 2027.
However, officials have not announced a commercial passenger launch date.
They have also not confirmed ticket prices, train schedules or booking arrangements.
How will the railway benefit travellers?
The new service will offer residents and visitors another way to travel between the UAE and Oman.
Passengers could avoid long road journeys and reach their destinations faster.
The railway may also attract more tourists to Oman, particularly UAE residents planning short holidays.
Families, business travellers and tourists could benefit from the improved connections.
How will it improve trade?
The Hafeet Rail network will connect major ports, factories and industrial areas across both countries.
Freight operators could transport goods faster and more efficiently.
The railway may also help businesses reduce logistics costs and improve delivery schedules.
Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining and retail could benefit from these connections.
Impact to expect
The UAE-Oman railway could make regional travel faster and more convenient. It may also increase tourism, strengthen trade and improve transport links. Businesses could gain more efficient freight services, while residents could enjoy easier cross-border journeys once passenger operations begin.
