Trial operations on the first railway linking Oman and the UAE are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, marking a major milestone in the development of a cross-border rail corridor designed to strengthen passenger travel, trade and logistics between the two countries.

Addressing a media gathering last month (September), Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali said that experimental operations on the railway would begin during the final three months of next year.

The announcement provides the clearest timetable yet for the start of testing on the landmark Hafeet Rail project, which is being developed to connect Sohar Port in Oman with the UAE’s national railway network through Al Buraimi and Al Ain.

The cross-border section is being developed by Hafeet Rail, a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company.

The project is intended to carry both freight and passengers, linking Sohar Port and surrounding industrial and logistics facilities with major centres and transport infrastructure in the UAE.

Construction had reached 40 per cent completion by April this year, according to Hafeet Rail.