Work on Oman-UAE rail project gathers pace
In a tweet, Hafeet Rail said: 'Everyday marks new progress on the path to connecting Oman and the UAE through the Hafeet Rail network. Stay tuned as we build the future of regional connectivity!'
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Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
How is work progressing on the Hafeet Rail project?
Muscat: Construction work on Oman's first railway line connecting the main port city of Suhar in North Al Batinah with the UAE capital Abu Dhabi is continuing at a brisk pace, as per periodical updates provided by Hafeet Rail. In June this year, the company reported that completed over 1 million manhours with the highest safety standards and zero injuries. Other updates included the construction of culverts that will allow water to flow safely beneath the railway, ensuring a strong and secure foundation. Construction works are progressing along the railway alignment between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, across several areas in North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi governorates, and in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the company said. In the latest update, Mashael al Bahri, civil design manager at Hafeet Rail, said, "The project sites in Suhar to observe a crucial stage of the excavation and backfilling works, specifically the crushing and sorting of the extracted materials, to ensure their compliance with previously approved designs. The crushing and sorting system is an integrated system for processing the extracted materials. This system works by crushing, sorting, and classifying them by size, preparing them for use in later construction work. The system relies on the use of large, adjustable industrial screens, which operators adjust according to project requirements. Materials that meet approved standards are transported to the construction sites, while non-compliant materials are disposed of safely and in compliance with environmental laws and regulations." Mashael Al Bahri, civil design manager at Hafeet Rail Mashael Al Bahri, civil design manager at Hafeet Rail What is Hafeet Rail The railway project, known as Hafeet Rail, is a joint venture with the UAE's Etihad Railway and is currently in various stages of implementation. Once completed, the project will reduce travel time between Suhar and Abu Dhabi to one hour and 40 minutes, and to Al Ain in just 47 minutes, with trains travelling at a speed of 200 km per hour. There are also plans to operate a luxury train service on the route in partnership with the Italian company Arsenale. The primary objective of the project is to enhance trade within the GCC by facilitating the transport of goods to and from the ports of Oman. The railway line is also capable of carrying 15,000 tonnes of freight in trains, and agreements have already been signed with major core sector companies for various facilities and operations related to the project. The GCC Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, recently said that the GCC member states, through their technical committees, are focused on completing the GCC Railway Project as planned to achieve further development and prosperity for their peoples. He said during a meeting to review progress on the GCC Railway Project, held at the General Secretariat's headquarters in Riyadh, with the participation of senior officials from the General Secretariat and the Director-General of the GCC Railways Authority and his team. Albudaiwi received a presentation highlighting the railway project, its current progress, and coordination among the member states.
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Times of Oman
Emirates makes changes to safety rules for customer usage of power banks onboard
Muscat: Using any kind of power bank is prohibited onboard Emirates' flights, effective from the 1, October 2025. A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions listed below, but the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts' power source. Emirates' new regulations include: - Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours. - Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard. - Charging a power bank using the aircraft's power supply is not permitted. - All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available. -Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you. -Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule). Why is Emirates making this change? After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry. Power banks primarily utilize lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, and their function is as a portable battery pack designed to recharge devices on the go. The batteries contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution. The ions flow through the electrolyte, travelling back and forth between two electrodes as the battery charges and discharges. If the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may result in 'thermal runaway.' Thermal runaway in batteries is a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase. This can result in dangerous consequences like fire, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. Most phones and sophisticated lithium battery-powered devices have an internal trickle system which slowly adds current into the battery to prevent overcharging, but many basic power banks may not have this safeguard, increasing the risk. All power banks are subject to the new rules onboard Emirates. Emirates new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft. Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire.
Times of Oman
05-08-2025
- Times of Oman
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi increases flight frequency to Baku, Tbilisi
Abu Dhabi: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has increased the number of flights to Baku in Azerbaijan and Tbilisi in Georgia, offering more travel options for customers and supporting the growing demand for affordable and direct travel between the UAE's capital and these popular leisure destinations. The airline now operates non-stop flights between Zayed International Airport and Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport with a frequency of six weekly flights. The new schedule now includes flights every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, providing more flexibility for travellers exploring the vibrant city. Starting August 7th, flights to Tbilisi International Airport will also increase to eight weekly flights, with double daily service on Thursdays, further enhancing seamless connectivity between Abu Dhabi and the Georgian capital. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, said, "The increased frequencies to both Baku and Tbilisi reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening our regional network while delivering greater convenience, flexibility, and value to our customers. These two vibrant cities remain popular among UAE residents and visitors alike. The enhanced schedules will not only reinforce travel and tourism ties but also offer a more seamless and accessible travel experience". Air Arabia Abu Dhabi continues to expand its growing route network from the UAE capital. The airline recently launched new routes to Almaty in Kazakhstan and Yerevan in Armenia, further reinforcing its presence in high-demand leisure and cultural destinations across the region.
