Suhar – Hafeet Rail, developer and operator of the first cross-border railway network connecting Oman and the UAE, has signed a preliminary agreement with Noatum Logistics, a company within the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, to establish a new rail service between Suhar and Abu Dhabi.

The agreement was formalised last week at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi and marks a significant step towards launching a dedicated freight rail corridor between the UAE and Oman.

Under the proposed arrangement, Noatum Logistics would operate a daily rail service using Hafeet Rail’s network once completed. The service is expected to run seven container trains per week, each with a capacity of 276 TEUs, equivalent to an annual throughput of approximately 193,200 TEUs.

The agreement guarantees dedicated trains for 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft containers, ensuring reliable and consistent capacity from day one. The flows will cover a wide range of goods currently traded between the two countries, including general cargo, manufactured goods, food products, pharmaceuticals, agrifoods, and other essential supplies.

Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics, said, “By linking two of the region’s most strategic hubs via rail for the first time, we are extending the reach of our service and enabling customers to benefit from a mode of transport that is cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable. Beyond its operational impact, our agreement will reinforce regional supply chains, unlock new opportunities, and support the economic integration of the UAE and Oman through infrastructure-led collaboration.”

Ahmed al Musawa al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, said, “This agreement with Noatum Logistics represents a major milestone as we advance the development of the cross-border railway between our two nations. With a dedicated rail service, we enable reliable, efficient cross-border container transport between Oman and the UAE, strengthening trade and promoting sustainable growth.”

As sustainability becomes an increasing priority for global and regional supply chains, rail freight forwarding offers a greener, more efficient method of cargo transport. Compared with traditional road transport, rail provides a more predictable and cost-effective solution for moving high volumes of containerised and bulk cargo over medium to long distances. Its ability to carry large loads with lower fuel consumption also significantly reduces carbon emissions per tonne, helping customers meet sustainability targets while optimising operational performance.

Furthermore, Noatum Logistics’ service along Hafeet Rail’s network builds on the existing rail shuttle service connecting Khalifa Port to Fujairah Terminals, launched in Q3 2024.