Today's Edition
YOUSEF ABDULRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Hafeet Train project marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. This ambitious $3 billion railway network, named after Abu Dhabi's highest peak Jebel Hafeet, aspires to be more than just a transportation link, it aims to be a bridge of friendship and a catalyst for economic prosperity.
Connecting Sohar Port in Oman to the UAE's national railway network in Abu Dhabi, Hafeet Train boasts impressive capabilities. Freight trains will zip along at a swift 120 kilometres per hour, carrying a massive 270 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo, significantly boosting trade efficiency. Passenger trains will reach speeds of 200 kilometres per hour and comfortably transporting 400 passengers, revolutionising travel between the two countries.
Efficiency and sustainability are at the heart of Hafeet Train. The railway utilises the latest technologies, including the European Signaling System Level 2 (European Train Control System), ensuring optimal safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, rail transport is inherently more environmentally friendly than road transport, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and congestion on highways.
Hafeet Train promises to be a boon for the economies of both the UAE and Oman. By facilitating cross-border trade, streamlining supply chains, and linking key industrial zones and commercial ports, the project will reduce costs, increase market competitiveness, and create new job opportunities.
This economic integration will strengthen the position of both countries as major logistics hubs in the region.
