H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, said the agreements signed during the recent state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the UAE were in line with the wise directives of the leadership of the two neighbouring countries, enhancing the longstanding historical relations between them, supporting economic and commercial integration, and strengthening their social and cultural ties.
During a visit, Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company signed a shareholder agreement, initiating construction of a joint railway project immediately. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed highlighted the project as a significant step in bilateral cooperation for a prosperous future.
Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi emphasized the project's role in enhancing logistics, stimulating various sectors, and attracting investments. Civil works were awarded to an Omani-Emirati alliance, promoting national capabilities and private sector involvement. Siemens and HAC secured the systems and integration tender, ensuring advanced infrastructure with digital control and GPS tracking. The joint venture's new identity, "Hafeet Rail," reflects the project's significance, named after Jebel Hafeet between Oman and the UAE.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the significant achievements of the joint railway project, emphasizing its role in bolstering bilateral relations and facilitating local and regional trade.
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment and CEO of ADQ, praised the project's progress in the past 18 months, emphasizing its contribution to economic diversification and tourism.
Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, CEO of AsyadGroup, lauded the project's strategic vision, positioning Oman and the UAE as logistical hubs and enhancing regional economic competitiveness. The project aims to transform the logistics landscape, offering sustainable transportation solutions and improving connectivity to local and regional markets.
The network also aims to increase job opportunities throughout various sectors in both countries, fostering the development of national talent pools. The network will drive efficiencies within the supply chain, facilitating cross-border trade, and connecting commercial ports to railways within the two countries.
Hafeet Rail aims to contribute to the development of various sectors in both countries, such as mining, iron and steel, agriculture and food, retail, e-commerce, and the petrochemical sector. This is in large due to its ability to provide fast, safe, and sustainable transportation services for goods of various sizes and weight via rail.
The passenger rail services aim to enhance connectivity between population centers, promoting social cohesion and supporting tourism. Operating at speeds up to 200 km/h, they will shorten travel times between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to 100 minutes and Sohar and Al Ain to 47 minutes, with a capacity of 400 passengers per train. The signed agreements reaffirm both governments' steadfast support for the project, reflecting their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and historical relations. Aligned with broader collaboration efforts, the agreements promote sustainable development across economic, commercial, and cultural domains, in line with the shared goal of establishing a joint railway network.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
