Latest news with #OmanRail
What's On
14-05-2025
- Business
- What's On
Etihad Rail: Passenger train service set to launch in 2026
All aboard! One of the UAE's most ambitious travel projects is the 1,200km long Etihad Rail network. And all of us can't wait to hop onboard. Currently, it's only the freight trains that are in service, but we may have just got an update as to when the passenger train will launch. A meeting in May was held between HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Etihad Rail, where Sheikh Hamdan was updated on the latest developments. The meeting was led by HE Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail. The briefing included the launch date of the passenger train service, which, according to the Instagram post on Etihad Rail, is set to be next year, in 2026. 3 of 12 Etihad Rail - Underground Sheikh Hamdan onboard the passenger train Etihad Rail - passenger train Etihad Rail - passenger train and cargo train While the launch has its eyes set on the upcoming year, the full network will not be fully operational. Progress, however, indicates that the network will be fully operational by or before 2030. But, as with any huge megaproject, the launch date could change, but we are keeping our eyes peeled for any launch announcements. And as soon as we know, we will let you know. Learn more about the Etihad Rail The Etihad Rail is possibly the biggest megaproject the UAE has undertaken, and everyone is excited. The UAE's very own 'Sanpiercer' (not the official name) will link all seven emirates, connecting 11 cities and regions from Al Sila (bordering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) to Fujairah. Etihad Rail – network map When What's On spoke to Ahmed Al Musawa, CEO of Oman & Etihad Rail Co on the travel time between the emirates, he said: 'Train passenger services will enable users to plan their journeys between the emirates and cities more efficiently, significantly decreasing the travel time: Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take up to 50 minutes Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take 100 minutes Travelling from Dubai to Fujairah will take 50 minutes. Travelling from Abu Dhabi To Ruwais will take 70 minutes' But is this the end of the line? The short answer: Not at all! In February 2023, Oman Rail and Etihad Rail struck an accord, partnering with Mubadala and committing to a 303km stretch of track that will unite the two GCC nations by rail, direct from Sohar in Oman to the city of Abu Dhabi (in just 100 minutes) and beyond. It will also stretch westward to the borders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In even more recent news, the UAE also signed a contract to work with Jordan in constructing a 360km rail network. It could mark the first tentative steps of the next phase of inter-regional passenger travel for the GCC. And over the recent meeting, Emirates News Agency shared that 'future expansion plans' were also discussed, 'including proposed links with other GCC countries.' If you want to know everything there is to know about Etihad Rail and to stay updated with all the latest, read and bookmark this page here. Images: Etihad Rail and WAM > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Advantage Oman Forum 2025 unveils guide on investment opportunities
MUSCAT: A comprehensive investment guide, titled 'World of Opportunities', was launched against the backdrop of the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, which concluded at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, here on Monday, April 28, 2025. The guide details seven priority sectors poised for growth, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation's commitment to economic diversification. Oman is rapidly emerging as a leader in the Renewable Energy Sector, particularly in green hydrogen production. The country has allocated 50,000 square kilometres for hydrogen projects, aiming to become a competitive low-emissions hydrogen supplier by 2030. Notably, the HyDuqm project, led by France's Engie and South Korea's Posco, anticipates attracting between $7 billion and $8 billion in investments to develop up to 5 GW of new wind and solar capacity and produce 200,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually. The Logistics Sector remains a cornerstone of Oman's economic development. Strategically located at the crossroads of global trade routes, Oman is enhancing its logistics infrastructure to serve as a regional trade hub. The country's major ports — Suhar, Salalah, and Duqm — handled over 4.6 million TEUs and 63.1 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, reinforcing its status as a global logistics powerhouse. Recent collaborations, such as the expanded joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, aim to enhance connectivity and boost trade volumes. In the Manufacturing Sector, Oman is focusing on diversifying its industrial base by promoting sectors like petrochemicals, mining, and technology-driven manufacturing. The Salalah Free Zone has attracted investments in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and mining, while the Sohar Free Zone has become a hub for mining, ceramics, and construction materials. Additionally, the country is venturing into semiconductor manufacturing, with plans to develop advanced AI chips, enhancing its position in the global semiconductor industry. The Tourism Sector is a major pillar under Oman Vision 2040, with the country targeting 12 million visitors by 2040. The government is investing RO 3 billion (approximately $7.8 billion) to develop 13 integrated tourism complex projects, with 12 more in the pipeline. These complexes combine residential, hospitality, recreational, and commercial facilities, offering comprehensive experiences to tourists and residents alike, further positioning Oman as a top regional destination. Oman's commitment to building a digital economy is reflected in the country's broader investments in ICT infrastructure. Oman is encouraging innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with its ICT market projected to grow from $5.96 billion in 2025 to $9.11 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.88 per cent. Initiatives such as the National Digital Economy Programme are designed to enhance digital services, promote e-governance, and support the growth of tech startups, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economic model. In the Agriculture & Fisheries Sector, Oman is reinforcing its food security agenda. The government has launched 30 projects focusing on strategic crops, aquaculture, and water resources, aiming to increase local production, reduce reliance on imports, and create job opportunities for Omanis. These initiatives are not only ensuring sustainable food production but are also enhancing Oman's exports in the fisheries sector. The Advantage Oman Forum 2025 showcased Oman's commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. By focusing on these seven strategic sectors, Oman is positioning itself as a competitive and attractive destination for global investors seeking sustainable and diversified opportunities. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
28-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Advantage Oman Forum 2025 unveils guide on investment opportunities
MUSCAT: A comprehensive investment guide, titled 'World of Opportunities', was launched against the backdrop of the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, which concluded at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, here on Monday, April 28, 2025. The guide details seven priority sectors poised for growth, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation's commitment to economic diversification. Oman is rapidly emerging as a leader in the Renewable Energy Sector, particularly in green hydrogen production. The country has allocated 50,000 square kilometres for hydrogen projects, aiming to become a competitive low-emissions hydrogen supplier by 2030. Notably, the HyDuqm project, led by France's Engie and South Korea's Posco, anticipates attracting between $7 billion and $8 billion in investments to develop up to 5 GW of new wind and solar capacity and produce 200,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually. The Logistics Sector remains a cornerstone of Oman's economic development. Strategically located at the crossroads of global trade routes, Oman is enhancing its logistics infrastructure to serve as a regional trade hub. The country's major ports — Suhar, Salalah, and Duqm — handled over 4.6 million TEUs and 63.1 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, reinforcing its status as a global logistics powerhouse. Recent collaborations, such as the expanded joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, aim to enhance connectivity and boost trade volumes. In the Manufacturing Sector, Oman is focusing on diversifying its industrial base by promoting sectors like petrochemicals, mining, and technology-driven manufacturing. The Salalah Free Zone has attracted investments in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and mining, while the Sohar Free Zone has become a hub for mining, ceramics, and construction materials. Additionally, the country is venturing into semiconductor manufacturing, with plans to develop advanced AI chips, enhancing its position in the global semiconductor industry. The Tourism Sector is a major pillar under Oman Vision 2040, with the country targeting 12 million visitors by 2040. The government is investing RO 3 billion (approximately $7.8 billion) to develop 13 integrated tourism complex projects, with 12 more in the pipeline. These complexes combine residential, hospitality, recreational, and commercial facilities, offering comprehensive experiences to tourists and residents alike, further positioning Oman as a top regional destination. Oman's commitment to building a digital economy is reflected in the country's broader investments in ICT infrastructure. Oman is encouraging innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with its ICT market projected to grow from $5.96 billion in 2025 to $9.11 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.88 per cent. Initiatives such as the National Digital Economy Programme are designed to enhance digital services, promote e-governance, and support the growth of tech startups, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economic model. In the Agriculture & Fisheries Sector, Oman is reinforcing its food security agenda. The government has launched 30 projects focusing on strategic crops, aquaculture, and water resources, aiming to increase local production, reduce reliance on imports, and create job opportunities for Omanis. These initiatives are not only ensuring sustainable food production but are also enhancing Oman's exports in the fisheries sector. The Advantage Oman Forum 2025 showcased Oman's commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. By focusing on these seven strategic sectors, Oman is positioning itself as a competitive and attractive destination for global investors seeking sustainable and diversified opportunities.
Zawya
07-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail awards strategic contracts, secures commercial agreement
Hafeet Rail, a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala developing the UAE-Oman railway project, announced on Friday the signing of key construction, procurement and commercial agreements to advance the mega logistics initiative. The company signed a design and build contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Power China to construct state-of-the-art railway logistics facilities in Al Buraimi and Sohar to handle and transport bulk, containerised, and breakbulk cargo. Additionally, the Sohar facility will include provisions for locomotive and wagon maintenance. Also, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) was awarded a contract for the design, engineering, and supply of next-generation freight wagons capable of multimodal deployment. Contract values and procurement costs weren't disclosed. Hafeet Rail also signed a Heads of Terms Agreement with the ADX-listed steel and building materials major EMSTEEL for transportation of limestone and red shale from Oman to the UAE. Under the agreement, the company will transport limestone and red shale to the UAE, with an annual freight volume of 4.2 million tonnes over a 15-year term, extendable based on future demand. Ahmed bin Ali Al Bulushi, Board Member of Hafeet Rail and CEO of Asyad Drydock & Infrastructure Services, stated that these contracts enhance the technical and commercial capabilities of the network while reinforcing seamless integration between local industries and regional markets. "By aligning with national economic priorities and harnessing global expertise, we are building a high-impact transport corridor that enhances regional competitivenes," noted Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer, EMSTEEL, added that the agreement with Hafeet Rail will ensure a reliable and sustainable supply chain for the company's cement unit. Previously awarded contracts by Hafeet Rail covered civil works, signalling and control systems, locomotive procurement, and independent safety assessments. (Writing by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
