UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail: Trial Operations Set for Late 2027
The landscape of regional travel and logistics is set for a massive transformation as the Hafeet Rail project moves closer to reality. Oman's Transport Minister has confirmed that trial operations for the first cross-border passenger and freight railway linking the UAE and Oman are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
A Strategic Link Between Nations
Formerly known as the Oman-Etihad Rail, this ambitious project is a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and the Mubadala Investment Company. The bilateral agreement was officially ratified by Oman's Royal Decree 75/2026 in early September 2026. The railway will span approximately 238 kilometers, creating a direct connection from Sohar Port in Oman to the UAE national rail network via Al Buraimi and Al Ain.
As of early 2026, the project has reached approximately 40% completion, with intensive track-laying work currently underway. To navigate the challenging geography, the infrastructure includes roughly 2.5 kilometers of tunnels through the Hajar mountains, alongside various bridges and viaducts designed to cross local wadis.
High-Speed Travel and Massive Freight Capacity
The Hafeet Rail is engineered to provide both rapid passenger transit and heavy-duty logistics capabilities. The system is designed to support the following speeds and capacities:
- Passenger Travel: Speeds of up to 200 km/h.
- Freight Transport: Speeds of up to 120 km/h.
- Cargo Volume: Freight trains are expected to carry over 15,000 tonnes per trip, equivalent to roughly 270 containers.
This massive increase in capacity is expected to significantly disrupt current logistics models, drastically reducing the 5 to 8-hour road haulage currently required between Sohar and Abu Dhabi.
Projected Commuter Timelines
Once the testing phase is complete and commercial operations commence, travelers can expect significantly shorter transit times across the border. Planned travel estimates include:
- Abu Dhabi to Sohar: Approximately 100 minutes.
- Al Ain to Sohar: Approximately 47 minutes.
While the project is viewed as a vital strategic corridor for freight and a new commuter alternative for expatriates, several operational details remain unconfirmed. These include exact ticket pricing, train frequency, specific immigration and visa protocols for passengers, and how the system will integrate with existing UAE transit payment platforms.
Updates on UAE Domestic Rail Services
In a separate announcement, Etihad Rail confirmed that passenger tickets for the Dubai Al Yalayis Station, located at Jumeirah Golf Estates, have gone on sale ahead of its 30 September 2026 launch. For commuters traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Comfort class tickets are starting at AED 39 for a 57-minute journey.