Big news is rolling in. The UAE and Oman have officially begun construction on the Hafeet Rail, a landmark railway project that’s set to redefine cross-border travel and trade in the region.

This isn’t just another railway. It’s the first international rail network connecting Gulf nations, with powerful implications for transport, economy, and regional development.

Travel Between Al Ain and Sohar in Under 2 Hours 🚉

The 238-kilometer railway will link Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain with Oman’s Sohar, cutting travel time to just 100 minutes for passengers, with trains running at speeds up to 200 km/h.

Freight trains will operate at 120 km/h and carry over 15,000 tonnes of cargo per trip. Each freight train could remove around 300 trucks from the highways, creating less congestion and fewer emissions.

For travelers, the journey will be faster, more comfortable, and border procedures are expected to be streamlined once operations begin. For businesses, especially in logistics, manufacturing, and trade, the corridor offers a smarter, faster connection to ports and industrial zones.

A Big Step for the Region 🏗️

Hafeet Rail is being developed through a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company. With an investment of around $2.5 billion, the project is backed by a mix of public and private capital from the UAE, Oman, and leading regional banks.

The construction phase is already underway across multiple locations including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sohar, and Al Buraimi. Key features include 60 bridges, 2.5 kilometers of tunnels, and advanced safety and signaling systems.

More than a million man-hours have already been completed, and activity on-site continues to pick up pace.

What This Means for UAE–Oman Connectivity 🌍

This railway is more than just an upgrade in transportation. It plays a central role in building stronger ties between the UAE and Oman across sectors like tourism, logistics, and commerce.

It also contributes to the GCC-wide vision of a connected rail network that could soon link Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait in the future.

Each step forward on Hafeet Rail strengthens this bigger goal.

A Subtle Boost for Real Estate Growth 🏘️

Infrastructure like this often drives long-term value in the property sector. As access improves and travel becomes faster between Al Ain and Sohar, we may see new opportunities in residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate near the railway zones.

Increased foot traffic around Sohar Port, growing investor interest in border cities, and the development of logistics hubs can lead to a demand surge for housing, offices, and mixed-use developments.

While the immediate focus remains on mobility and trade, smart investors will be watching the real estate landscape closely along the corridor.

What Comes Next?

The Al Ain–Sohar route is only the beginning.

The UAE has plans for high-speed rail links between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and future expansions toward Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. On the Omani side, extensions are being proposed toward Muscat, Duqm, and Salalah.

This evolving network could eventually shape how people live and work across the region.

Final Thoughts 

The Hafeet Rail isn’t just about speed and convenience. It’s about unlocking the full potential of cross-border collaboration between the UAE and Oman.

It’s a project with the power to transform not only trade and logistics, but also how communities develop, grow, and connect, with real estate poised to benefit in subtle yet powerful ways.

At Roots Home Real Estate, we’ll continue to keep you informed about the impact of such transformative developments on the property market.

Get in touch with us for tailored insights, investment guidance, and exclusive listings in the UAE and beyond.