UAE, Oman sign agreement for first cross border freight rail link between Abu Dhabi and Sohar

A major step toward regional connectivity and sustainable logistics has been announced, as Noatum Logistics, part of AD Ports Group, and Hafeet Rail, developer of the first cross-border railway network between the UAE and Oman, have signed a preliminary agreement to launch a dedicated rail freight service connecting Abu Dhabi and Sohar. The partnership aims to enhance trade, strengthen supply chains, and create a greener, more efficient logistics corridor between the two Gulf neighbours.The new agreement, signed during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, establishes a plan for Noatum Logistics to operate a daily rail freight service utilising Hafeet Rail’s upcoming cross-border network. This marks the first direct rail link between Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Sohar, Oman, setting the foundation for a landmark freight corridor in the Gulf region.Under the proposed arrangement, the service will operate seven container trains per week, each with a capacity of 276 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) — amounting to an annual throughput of about 193,200 TEUs. These trains will handle 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, ensuring flexible and reliable capacity from the first day of operations.The new connection will enable the seamless movement of a wide range of goods currently traded between the two countries — including general cargo, manufactured goods, food products, pharmaceuticals, agrifoods, and other essential supplies.The agreement not only represents a logistical milestone but also aligns with both nations’ goals of deeper economic integration through infrastructure-led cooperation.Samir Chaturvedi, Chief Executive Officer of Noatum Logistics, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying the rail link “connects two of the region’s most strategic hubs via rail for the first time,” extending the company’s reach and offering customers a “cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable” transport mode.He added that beyond operational efficiency, the project would reinforce regional supply chains, unlock new business opportunities, and support broader economic integration between the UAE and Oman.Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, Chief Executive Officer of Hafeet Rail, described the collaboration as a major milestone in the railway’s development, emphasising that the dedicated service would provide reliable and efficient cross-border container transport. He noted that this initiative will strengthen trade, drive sustainable growth, and position the railway as a key enabler of regional logistics transformation.With this agreement, Hafeet Rail is poised to become a central pillar of a new logistics ecosystem that reshapes the flow of goods between the two countries, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for regional integration, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.As global supply chains increasingly prioritise sustainability, the new rail freight connection offers a greener and more efficient alternative to road transport. Rail freight provides predictable and cost-effective movement of high-volume, containerised, and bulk cargo over medium to long distances.Compared to traditional trucking, rail consumes less fuel and produces significantly lower carbon emissions per tonne of freight, making it a key contributor to decarbonisation efforts in the logistics sector. The system’s high load capacity and lower fuel intensity help companies meet environmental goals while improving operational performance and cost efficiency.The upcoming Sohar–Abu Dhabi rail service builds upon Noatum Logistics’ existing rail operations, including its rail shuttle service between Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals, which was launched in the third quarter of 2024. This new cross-border link will expand the network’s reach and efficiency, connecting Omani and Emirati markets through a sustainable freight corridor.Once operational, the partnership between Noatum Logistics and Hafeet Rail will create a dedicated, high-capacity trade artery linking two of the most strategically located logistics hubs in the Arabian Peninsula. It represents a forward-looking model of collaboration that aligns with national visions in both countries to diversify economies, enhance connectivity, and reduce environmental impact.By combining Hafeet Rail’s infrastructure expertise with Noatum Logistics’ freight management capabilities, the project stands as a major milestone toward a fully integrated UAE–Oman logistics network, reshaping trade routes and setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the region’s transport landscape.