Latest news with #Oman-UAE
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Ancient tombs unearthed along Oman-UAE railway route
Suhar – An Omani-Italian archaeological team found 28 ancient tombs during an excavation in Suhar along the route of the planned Oman-UAE railway line. The excavation carried out in Sohar Free Zone was jointly conducted by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Sapienza University of Rome as part of a salvage operation aimed at protecting heritage sites potentially affected by the railway connecting Suhar to Abu Dhabi. 'We identified around 28 graves in the route of the railway,' said Francesco Caputo, an archaeologist from Sapienza University. 'One of the tombs contained a substantial collection of human bones. We also recovered a variety of grave goods, including stone and shell beads, bronze rings and bangles, and fragments of ancient glass vessels.' The artefacts provide insight into burial practices and social structures of ancient communities that once inhabited the region, adding to growing evidence of continuous settlement in Oman since prehistoric times. Ismail Salim al Mutrafi, Head of Archaeological Survey Department at the ministry, noted the collaborative nature of the project. 'A large number of ministry staff are actively involved in this excavation, working alongside our Italian counterparts,' he said. 'This effort is not just about discovery – it's about skills transfer and building national capacity in the field of archaeology.' According to the ministry, it is currently working with archaeological teams at 68 sites across the sultanate. Findings contribute to efforts to protect Oman's cultural heritage and support its tourism sector. 'The ministry is committed to protecting archaeological sites and maximising the value of these resources as key elements of our tourism product,' said Mutrafi. 'Findings from excavations like this one help enrich the collections of National Museum and other regional museums under the ministry's umbrella.' He also emphasised the role of such artefacts in promoting international cultural exchange, citing their inclusion in exhibitions abroad. 'This is a reminder that beneath our modern infrastructure lies an ancient world waiting to be rediscovered,' Mutrafi added. 'Each find is a story, a memory and a connection to people who walked this land long before us.'
Muscat Daily
26-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman, UAE sign deal to develop SEZ in Mahdah
Muscat – Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and Mahadha Development Company, a joint Omani-Emirati venture led by DP World, have signed an agreement to develop and operate the first phase of Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in Mahdah, Buraimi. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Vice-Chairman of OPAZ, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World. According to Dheeb, the special economic zone (SEZ) aims to support job creation, attract advanced technologies and contribute to sustainable development. He noted that its strategic location on the Oman-UAE border provides access to the ports of Suhar and Jebel Ali, improving logistics and market reach across Gulf, Asian and African regions. Sulayem described the project as a 'new chapter' in the economic relations between Oman and the UAE. 'We are committed to developing a world-class platform that will create new opportunities for growth, strengthen connectivity and bring long-term economic value to both our nations.' Under a 50-year usufruct agreement, Mahadha Development Company will initially develop 14sqkm, with the option to expand to 25sqkm. The developer is responsible for infrastructure, public utilities, environmental studies, and master planning covering industrial, commercial and service sectors. The first phase will target key industries including manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mining, food processing, plastics and safety services. The SEZ will offer investment incentives including a ten-year income tax exemption, customs duty waivers on imports and exports, and 100% foreign ownership. Strategic projects will benefit from single-window approvals. The project also aims to support tourism, enhance the region's business environment, and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises.
Gulf Insider
08-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Oman-UAE Railway Project Picks Up Pace: $2.5 Billion Network To Boost Trade And Connectivity
Work on the UAE-Oman Rail Network project is progressing steadily, with heavy earthmovers and other equipment already deployed to lay railway tracks. In a tweet, Hafeet Rail stated: 'With confident steps, we bridge the gap and build a future that brings us together. Every day brings new progress on the path to connecting the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman via the Hafeet Railway Network.' Hafeet Rail is the company tasked with developing and operating the Oman-UAE rail link. The project, valued at around $2.5 billion (approximately 960 million Omani rials), is a strategic milestone in establishing a unified transport and logistics network, offering both economic and social benefits to the two nations. The railway will connect five ports and industrial zones across Oman and the UAE. Each freight train journey is expected to carry more than 15,000 tonnes of goods — roughly equivalent to 270 standard containers. Travel time between Abu Dhabi and Sohar will be reduced to 100 minutes, with freight trains reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, accommodating up to 400 passengers per journey. The railway will span 238 km and include 60 bridges and tunnels stretching over 2.5 kilometers. This landmark project supports Oman Vision 2040 and the UAE Centennial 2071. By linking Sohar Port to the UAE rail network, the project is expected to create a vital trade corridor, boosting the region's role as a strategic hub for transport and logistics services.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Hafeet Rail project moving at steady pace
Muscat: Work is progressing well on the rail project linking the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the company said. The Oman-UAE project continues to advance steadily as Hafeet Rail deploys heavy machinery and crews across the corridor to accelerate regional rail connectivity between the two Gulf nations, an online statement said. The railway network will connect five ports and industrial zones in the two countries. Each train journey across the network is expected to transport more than 15,000 tonnes of goods, equivalent to about 270 standard containers. The journey time between Abu Dhabi and Suhar will be reduced to 100 minutes, with freight trains reaching a maximum speed of 120 km/h. Passenger trains will reach up to 200 km/h, accommodating up to 400 passengers per train. The railway will stretch over 238 kilometers and will include 60 bridges and tunnels covering a distance of 2.5 kilometers. Connecting Sohar Port to the UAE railway network will create a vital trade artery between the two countries, enhancing the region's status as a hub for transport and logistics services. The project includes the construction of 60 bridges, some towering up to 34 meters in height, and tunnels stretching 2.5 kilometers. The project is the first-of-its-kind railway network that links two Gulf nations and presents a seismic shift in goods transportation methods across the region, as it can handle substantial cargo volumes. This efficient transportation option reduces dependency on road transport, which is often slower and less sustainable than rail, and promises a 40 percent reduction in shipping costs and a 50 percent reduction in transit times compared to traditional land transportation methods By linking major ports along the route, the Hafeet Rail project offers local SMEs to import, export, and distribute their products, amplifying their market reach and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman-UAE railway signs major deals for facilities, wagons
Hafeet Rail, the planned Oman-UAE railway, has awarded the construction contracts for its key railway facilities in Oman to Larson & Toubro (L&T) and Power China, while the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) has been contracted to supply a cutting-edge fleet of freight wagons. Hafeet Rail is a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala, established to develop a modern rail network that boosts logistics efficiency and drives economic growth between Oman and the UAE. As reported earlier, Hafeet Rail has signed a commercial agreement with Emsteel to facilitate the transportation and export of aggregate materials between Oman and the UAE. These agreements mark a significant milestone in the implementation of the Oman-UAE railway project, reinforcing logistics integration, cargo efficiency, and sustainable economic growth across both nations. The design and build contract with Larson & Toubro (L&T) and Power China envisages constructionof state-of-the-art railway logistics facilities in Al Buraimi and Sohar. Designed to meet global freight handling standards, these state-of-the-art facilities will secure seamless transportation and handling of bulk, containerised, and breakbulk cargo, enhancing throughput efficiency and multimodal connectivity. Additionally, the Sohar facility will include provisions for locomotive and wagon maintenance, ensuring long-term asset reliability, optimised operational performance, and enhanced network resilience — strengthening Oman's role as a key hub in global trade corridors. Optimising Cargo Transport Hafeet Rail has awarded a strategic contract to China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) for the design, engineering, and supply of a next-generation of high-performance freight wagons. Designed for multi-modal adaptability, these wagons will seamlessly integrate into the Hafeet Rail network, optimizing cargo movement for varied freight types, including bulk commodities and containerised cargo. This contract reflects Hafeet Rail's commitment to redefining rail freight efficiency, leveraging cutting-edge rolling stock technology to enhance capacity, network agility, and long-term operational sustainability. By investing in advanced rail solutions, Hafeet Rail is reinforcing its position as a key enabler of logistics innovation and trade connectivity in the region. Deal with Emsteel Earlier, Hafeet Rail signed a Heads of Terms Agreement with Emsteel, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, establishing a long-term partnership to ensure the seamless transportation of limestone and red shale, from Oman to the UAE. This strategic collaboration aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the UAE's National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology (Operation 300bn), reinforcing secure, high-efficiency supply chains for critical raw materials. Under the agreement, Hafeet Rail will transport limestone and red shale from Oman to the UAE, with an annual freight volume of 4.2 million tons over a 15-year term, extendable based on future demand. This collaboration underscores Hafeet Rail's commitment to redefining rail freight efficiency, leveraging cutting-edge rolling stock technology to enhance capacity, network agility, and long-term operational sustainability. These new awarded contracts reinforce Hafeet Rail's ongoing infrastructure development, complementing previously contracts covering civil works, signalling and control systems, locomotive procurement, and independent safety assessments. The company continues to execute its rail network development roadmap, ensuring the synchronized deployment of critical infrastructure components to maximize efficiency and scalability. The partnership enhances logistics resilience, de-risks supply chain dependencies, and supports the region's industrial scalability and sustainability agenda through reliable, rail-based freight solutions. On this occasion, Ahmed bin Ali Al Bulushi, Board Member of Hafeet Rail and CEO of Asyad Drydock & Infrastructure Services, stated: 'The signing of these agreements represents a natural progression in the implementation of our ambitious railway project, building on the foundational work already underway. These contracts enhance the technical and commercial capabilities of the network while reinforcing seamless integration between local industries and regional markets. "By fortifying cross-border connectivity between Oman and the UAE, we are not only optimising supply chain efficiency but also positioning our integrated logistics ecosystem as a key enabler of trade competitiveness and economic growth. This strategic rail link will unlock unprecedented trade potential, catalyze high-impact investment opportunities, and position the region as a logistical powerhouse in the global economy." Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, stated: 'The signing of these agreements represents a transformative step in advancing economic integration between the UAE and Oman. This strategic initiative strengthens both nations' positions as key trade and logistics hubs, fostering greater economic diversification, industrial expansion, and cross-border investment.' 'By aligning with national economic priorities and harnessing global expertise, we are building a high-impact transport corridor that enhances regional competitiveness. This railway will unlock new trade routes, optimize supply chain efficiencies, and stimulate sustainable economic growth, creating long-term value for businesses and communities across both countries.' Eng Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Emsteel, said: 'This agreement is a significant step forward for Emsteel as it ensures a reliable and sustainable supply chain for our cement unit. It reflects our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence while symbolising the growing economic collaboration between the UAE and Oman. By leveraging regional resources and infrastructure, this partnership demonstrates how we can collectively drive industrial growth and build a more sustainable future.' Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
