Latest news with #UAE-Oman
Time Out Abu Dhabi
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
This is the new train that will take you from Abu Dhabi to Oman in under 2 hours
Work has begun on the much-anticipated multi-billion-dollar UAE-Oman railway project. Plans for a railway between the neighbouring GCC nations have been in the offing since 2022 and work is finally underway. The railway project will initially operate between the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi and the Omani port city of Sohar. The project will cover a distance of 303km and travel at speeds of up to 200km/h. And it will be equipped to handle the diverse terrains between the two countries, as well as any unpredictable weather conditions and water flow from surrounding valleys. Innovative and sustainable engineering solutions will ensure safe journeys. Work on the huge project got underway in May 2024, following a shareholder agreement between Hafeet Rail, a company made up of Etihad Rail and Oman Rail, and construction companies. Works are progressing along the railway alignment between the two nations. The update pointed out that progress is underway in several areas in North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi governates in Oman and in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. To date, more than one million man-hours have been clocked in developing the railway. The name of Hafeet Rail for the project was decided following the joint UAE-Oman Business Forum held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday April 23. You might also like: Etihad Rail passenger train: Everything we know so far Partnership agreements have been signed between stakeholders, major construction contracts have been awarded and companies between both borders will operate as joint teams for the project. What the UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail means for you Initially, it will operate between the Al Wathba area near Abu Dhabi and the Omani port city of Sohar. With a speed reaching 200 kilometres per hour, journeys between Abu Dhabi and Sohar will take 100 minutes. Passenger trains will be able to accommodate up to 400 people. The project board aims to 'establish a record-breaking timeline for implementation', so expect it to be established sooner than you think. The freight train will have a capacity equivalent to 300 trucks which will reduce carbon emissions generated by trucks by 80 per cent. Etihad Rail passenger train (Credit: Etihad Rail) It will pass through diverse geographical areas, including the desert and mountainous regions and along Jebel Hafeet – which is where the new Hafeet Rail brand derives its name. The railway aims to be a quick and efficient way of connecting the two countries, which is hoped to reduce car traffic and, consequently, the carbon footprint. This railway project would see the two Gulf countries connect and align with long-term plans for the GCC vision of a Gulf Railway. The Gulf Railway was planned to be opened by 2025, but construction has yet to begin in earnest. And, for businesses, it's predicted that it will have a major impact on trade between the two countries as one freight train trip is capable of transporting 15,000 tonnes of general cargo. Hafeet Rail will connect five major ports and a number of free zones in both countries and will see transportation time cut in half compared to traditional on-ground methods. Hafeet Rail represents a groundbreaking achievement as the first modern cross-border train in the Middle East and the Arab world, connecting the Sultanate of Oman to the United Arab Emirates. — Hafeet Rail (@hafeetrail) June 2, 2024 Living in the UAE Everything you need to know about traffic cameras in Abu Dhabi No, they're not just for speed When is the next public holiday? Here's when you'll have your next day off 5 unexpected Emirates ID perks you should seriously be using And yes, they all make our lives a little bit easier
Al Etihad
29-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Etihad Rail delegation explores rail cooperation with Kuwait
29 June 2025 21:24 KUWAIT (WAM)A delegation from Etihad Rail, led by the CEO Shadi Malak, met with Dr. Noura Mohammed Khaled Al-Mishaan, Minister of Public Works of the State of Kuwait, to discuss strengthening joint cooperation and exchanging expertise in railway infrastructure among GCC the meeting, Minister Dr. Al-Mishaan highlighted Kuwait's commitment to learning from leading railway development experiences, particularly the successful UAE-Oman partnership in establishing Hafeet Rail, describing it as a model of Gulf integration in transport and infrastructure emphasised that collaboration in this vital sector reflects Kuwait's support for advancing Gulf integration and strengthening economic and geographic connectivity among GCC states. She also stressed the importance of ongoing coordination between technical teams to implement high-quality projects that meet the region's development Al Rashidi, Under-Secretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works, underscored the ministry's priority in leveraging successful regional experiences, noting that early collaboration in planning and execution stages is key to building a sustainable rail network that supports regional integration and shared development meeting included a technical presentation outlining Kuwait's future railway project plans. Minister Dr. Al-Mishaan presented the ministry's vision to establish a sustainable national railway network grounded in regional and international best practices. The vision takes into account both environmental and economic factors, aligning with Kuwait's broader sustainable development objectives.
Dubai Eye
27-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE, Oman launch special economic zone
An agreement has been finalised to develop and operate the first phase of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in Oman's Al Buraimi Governorate, marking a new milestone in UAE-Oman cooperation. The signing took place in Muscat during the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, who led a high-level UAE delegation to the Sultanate. The new zone, to be developed by Mahadha Development Company, a UAE-Oman joint venture with DP World as majority partner, will cover 14 in its first phase and expand to 25 in the future. It will focus on sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and food processing, and aims to boost regional connectivity with links to Jebel Ali and Sohar ports. Omani officials emphasized the zone's role in advancing Oman Vision 2040, creating jobs, attracting foreign investment, and supporting sustainable development across key industries. DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the project reflects the deepening trade ties between the UAE and Oman and will bring long-term economic value to both nations. — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 26, 2025
Sharjah 24
26-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Hamdan bin Mohammed meets Oman's Deputy Prime Minister
Strengthening strategic cooperation The meeting explored opportunities to further deepen strategic cooperation between the UAE and Oman across various sectors, underpinned by the strong historical and fraternal ties shared by the two nations and their peoples. Official visit reflects deepening ties Held as part of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan's official visit to Oman at the head of a high-level delegation, the meeting reflected the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation, guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Emphasis on high-level engagement During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored the significance of continued high-level exchanges and ongoing ministerial and government engagement, which reflect the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen UAE-Oman ties. He noted that strengthening bilateral ties serves national development goals, particularly in the economic, political, scientific, and cultural spheres. Focus on sustainable development The meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing coordination to advance mutual interests and drive comprehensive, sustainable development in both nations. The discussions also touched on ways to enhance Gulf cooperation, with a focus on increasing trade and tourism flows, promoting mutual investments, and encouraging the private sector to play a greater role in launching joint ventures that contribute to growth across the industrial, commercial, and investment sectors. Growing economic relations Sheikh Hamdan praised the continued growth of UAE-Oman economic relations. Oman remains the UAE's second-largest trading partner among GCC countries. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations surpassed AED56.1 billion, marking a 9.8% increase compared to 2023. He expressed confidence that further opportunities lie ahead to expand trade and boost tourism flows, especially given the rich and diverse offerings that both countries boast. High-level attendees The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Omani welcome and commitment His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and the accompanying delegation to Oman, emphasising that the visit reflects the depth of the ties between the two brotherly nations. He noted that the visit would serve to further advance strategic cooperation in support of mutual development goals and continued economic growth. Sayyid Fahd reiterated Oman's commitment to strengthening cooperation and enhancing bilateral relations aligned with the two countries' shared strategic aspirations for the future. Regional and global developments The meeting also covered a range of regional and international developments, including the latest updates from the Middle East, and ongoing efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. Additional UAE officials in attendance The meeting was also attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Chairman of the Dubai International Chamber.
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs
26 May 2025 18:32 MUSCAT (WAM)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, met on Monday in Muscat with His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs of meeting explored opportunities to further deepen strategic cooperation between the UAE and Oman across various sectors, underpinned by the strong historical and fraternal ties shared by the two nations and their as part of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan's official visit to Oman at the head of a high-level delegation, the meeting reflected the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation, guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored the significance of continued high-level exchanges and ongoing ministerial and government engagement, which reflect the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen UAE-Oman ties. He noted that strengthening bilateral ties serves national development goals, particularly in the economic, political, scientific, and cultural meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing coordination to advance mutual interests and drive comprehensive, sustainable development in both discussions also touched on ways to enhance Gulf cooperation, with a focus on increasing trade and tourism flows, promoting mutual investments, and encouraging the private sector to play a greater role in launching joint ventures that contribute to growth across the industrial, commercial, and investment Hamdan praised the continued growth of UAE-Oman economic remains the UAE's second-largest trading partner among GCC countries. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations surpassed Dh56.1 billion, marking a 9.8% increase compared to 2023. He expressed confidence that further opportunities lie ahead to expand trade and boost tourism flows, especially given the rich and diverse offerings that both countries meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and the accompanying delegation to Oman, emphasising that the visit reflects the depth of the ties between the two brotherly nations. He noted that the visit would serve to further advance strategic cooperation in support of mutual development goals and continued economic Fahd reiterated Oman's commitment to strengthening cooperation, and enhancing bilateral relations, aligned with the two countries' shared strategic aspirations for the meeting also covered a range of regional and international developments, including the latest updates from the Middle East, and ongoing efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. The meeting was also attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of State; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Chairman of the Dubai International Chamber.
