Muscat – The board of directors of Oman and Etihad Rail Company have praised the leadership of both countries for their support of the joint railway network connecting Sohar Port with the UAE National Rail Network. The backing is set to accelerate the project’s development, fostering sustainable growth, in addition to strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

During their meeting, the board members underscored the significance of this joint project, which marks a new milestone in the relationship between the UAE and Oman. The project aims to facilitate passenger and freight movement, create rewarding job opportunities for professionals in both countries, and foster sustainable development and stronger ties through the development and operation of a safe, secure, and efficient railway network connecting Oman and the UAE.

Held in Muscat, the meeting was attended by H E Suhail bin Mohamed Faraj Faris al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and chairman of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, and H E Eng Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and vice chairman of Oman and Etihad Rail Company.

The goal of the meeting was to review the company’s achievements, developments, research, and studies conducted during the recent period, a press release said.

During the meeting, the board members were updated on the progress of the joint network, as well as the results of engineering design reviews and system studies. These studies provide engineering solutions aligned with international standards and are designed to meet the challenges of local environmental conditions.

The board members also discussed the company’s efforts to ensure the application of international best practices and the adoption of the latest technologies and systems to develop an integrated railway network. These measures guarantee smooth train operations and facilitate seamless border crossings, meeting the requirements for rapid and efficient transportation of passengers and goods.

In February 2023, Oman and Etihad Rail Company signed a cooperation agreement with Mubadala Investment Company, a sovereign investor in Abu Dhabi. This partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to exploring investment opportunities and expanding cooperation in the railway sector, supporting, and accelerating the preparatory work and completion of the UAE-Oman Railway Network project’s implementation plan.

Oman and Etihad Rail Company was established in September 2022, as a joint venture, equally owned by Etihad Rail and Oman Rail with the goal of designing, building, and operating a railway network that links Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network, with a total project investment of US$3bn.

The company will lay the groundwork and workplan for the execution of the project, including its financial mechanisms and schedule, and thus overseeing the design, implementation, and operation of the railway network, which connects Sohar and Abu Dhabi, in line with the standards of the two countries.