Abu Dhabi | The $3 billion project to establish a railway link between the UAE and Oman will create jobs and strengthen ties between neighboring countries in the region, officials said. The transport project is overseen by Oman and Etihad Rail Company, a joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail.
The trains, which can reach a speed of 200 kilometers per hour, will connect Abu Dhabi and Zohar, north of Muscat. Abu Dhabi-based investor Mubadala had signed an agreement last month for the development of the 303 km road. The Oman-Etihad Rail Company Board of Directors highlighted the importance of the ambitious plans in a meeting held in Muscat.
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of Oman Etihad Rail Company Suhail Al Masroui, Oman Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Saeed Al Mawali and Oman Etihad Rail Board Vice Chairman Saeed Al Mawali were also present. Board members hailed the new rail initiative as a new milestone in relations between the two countries, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.
The project aims to facilitate the movement of passengers and goods, create rewarding employment opportunities for professionals in both countries, and foster sustainable development and strong ties through the development and operation of a safe and efficient railway network connecting Oman and the UAE.
The board meeting reviewed the progress of the joint venture and the results of engineering design reviews and system studies. The studies were conducted to ensure that the network can operate in the region’s climate, which typically experiences higher temperatures than other parts of the world. The board also discussed ways to incorporate latest technologies and best international practices to allow smooth running of the railway line.
Passenger trains will travel at a speed of 200 kmph and freight trains at 120 kmph. Travel time between Abu Dhabi and Zohar will be reduced to 100 minutes north of Muscat and 47 minutes from Zohar to Al Ain. The plans include connecting the UAE’s existing cargo service line to the Sultanate’s deep-sea port of Sohar.