New UAE–Oman Train Service Announced to Boost Cross-Border Trade and Connectivity
Ashwini Gambo
A new rail service between the United Arab Emirates and Oman has been announced, marking a major step in strengthening trade and logistics connectivity between the two Gulf nations. The project represents a significant milestone in the development of a seamless cross-border transport network in the region.
Noatum Logistics, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has signed a preliminary agreement with Hafeet Rail the developer and operator of the first cross-border railway network linking Oman and the UAE to establish a dedicated rail freight service between Sohar and Abu Dhabi.
Under the agreement, Noatum Logistics will operate daily rail services leveraging Hafeet Rail’s advanced network infrastructure. The new corridor will include seven container trains per week, each with a capacity of 276 TEUs, equivalent to an annual throughput of 193,200 TEUs.
The agreement ensures dedicated trains for 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, providing reliable and consistent cargo capacity from the very first day of operations. The service will handle a broad range of goods traded between the two countries, including general cargo, manufactured products, food items, pharmaceuticals, agrifoods, and other essential supplies.
Formalised during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the partnership underscores both countries’ shared commitment to developing a modern, sustainable, and integrated transport infrastructure that supports economic diversification and regional connectivity.
The new UAE–Oman rail link is expected to significantly enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce transit times, and open new opportunities for cross-border logistics and trade. It complements wider GCC transport strategies that aim to promote interconnectivity, boost non-oil trade, and drive sustainable growth across the region.
