Oman-UAE Rail Link to Begin Trial Operations in Late 2027
The long-awaited Oman-UAE rail link is moving closer to becoming a reality, with trial operations expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Oman’s Transport Minister Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali said experimental operations are expected to take place during the final three months of 2027. The project will connect Sohar in Oman with the UAE railway network through Al Buraimi and Al Ain. The railway developed by Hafeet Rail, a joint venture involving Oman Rail, Etihad Rail and Mubadala Investment Company.
For travellers and businesses, the project significant because it designed to support both passenger and freight services between Oman and the UAE.
When will the Oman-UAE Train Start?
Trial operations for the Oman-UAE railway are expected to begin in Q4 2027, covering October to December 2027.
It is important to note that trial operations are not the same as the full commercial launch of passenger services. A separate confirmed date for regular public passenger services has not been announced in the Gulf News report.
| Details | Information |
| Trial operations | Expected in Q4 2027 |
| Project name | Hafeet Rail |
| Main route | Sohar – Al Buraimi – Al Ain – UAE rail network |
| Railway length | 238 km |
| Passenger trains | Planned |
| Freight trains | Planned |
| Passenger train speed | Up to 200 km/h |
| Main partners | Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, Mubadala Investment |
What is Hafeet Rail?
Hafeet Rail is the cross-border railway project connecting Oman and the UAE. The 238-kilometre railway will link Sohar Port in Oman with the UAE national railway network, passing through Al Buraimi and Al Ain. The project is designed to create a transport corridor connecting ports, industrial areas and logistics hubs in the two countries.
Hafeet Rail reported in April 2026 that construction had reached 40% completion, with work progressing across Sohar, Al Buraimi, Wadi Al Jizzi and Al Ain. More than 27 million cubic metres of earthworks had been completed at that stage.
Oman – UAE Train Route
The planned railway will connect:
- Sohar → Al Buraimi → Al Ain → UAE National Rail Network
The connection will also link the railway network to important commercial and logistics centres.
For passengers, the project is expected to provide a new option for travelling between Oman and the UAE, while freight services will provide another route for moving goods between the two countries.
How Fast will the Oman-UAE Train Be?
Passenger trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Earlier project information indicates that the planned journey from Sohar to Abu Dhabi could take around 100 minutes, while the journey between Sohar and Al Ain could take around 47 minutes once the service is operational.
| Route | Expected Journey Time |
| Sohar – Abu Dhabi | Around 100 minutes |
| Sohar – Al Ain | Around 47 minutes |
| Passenger train speed | Up to 200 km/h |
Oman-UAE Railway Will Carry Passengers and Freight
The Hafeet Rail project developed for both passenger and freight transportation.
- For Passengers: The railway could offer an alternative to road travel between Oman and the UAE.
- For Businesses: The freight network expected to connect Sohar Port and Oman’s industrial infrastructure with the UAE railway network, supporting the movement of goods between logistics and industrial centres.
Freight trains are planned to operate at speeds of up to 120 km/h, according to project information.
How much has the Oman-UAE Rail Project Been Completed?
Hafeet Rail announced in April 2026 that the project had reached 40% completion.
Construction is taking place across several areas, including:
- Sohar
- Al Buraimi
- Wadi Al Jizzi
- Al Ain
The project includes tunnels, bridges, viaducts, underpasses and other infrastructure because the railway crosses urban, industrial and mountainous areas. The route includes approximately 2.5 kilometres of tunnels.
Track installation had also begun as the project moved from major civil works toward railway infrastructure.
What will the Oman-UAE Rail Link Mean for Travellers?
Once passenger services eventually begin, the railway could provide another travel option between Oman and the UAE.
The planned service is particularly relevant for:
- UAE-Oman travellers
- Business travellers
- Tourists
- Families travelling between the two countries
- People travelling between Al Ain and northern Oman
What will Hafeet Rail Mean for Businesses?
The project also focused heavily on freight and logistics. The railway will connect Sohar Port with the UAE national rail network, potentially providing businesses with a direct rail connection between major logistics and industrial centres.
Hafeet Rail says the project intended to support trade flows, supply-chain resilience and economic integration between Oman and the UAE.
Oman-UAE Train Tickets: What About the Price?
Oman-UAE train ticket prices have not been announced yet. Travellers should also wait for official information about ticket booking, passport and border procedures, luggage rules, station facilities and the passenger timetable.
The late-2027 date currently refers to trial operations, rather than confirmed public ticket sales.
FAQ
1. When will the Oman-UAE rail link start trial operations?
- Trial operations expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, according to Oman’s Transport Minister.
2. What is the Oman-UAE railway called?
- The project called Hafeet Rail. It is developed by Oman Rail, Etihad Rail and Mubadala Investment Company.
3. Which cities will the Oman-UAE train connect?
- The railway will connect Sohar in Oman with the UAE network through Al Buraimi and Al Ain.
4. How long is the Oman-UAE rail link?
- The main cross-border railway project is approximately 238 kilometres long.
5. How fast will the Oman-UAE passenger train travel?
- Passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
6. How long will the train take from Sohar to Abu Dhabi?
- The planned journey time is around 100 minutes, according to project information.
7. Will the Oman-UAE railway carry cargo?
Yes. Hafeet Rail designed to provide both passenger and freight services, connecting Sohar’s port and industrial infrastructure with the UAE railway network.
8. Are Oman-UAE train tickets available now?
No. The project still under construction, and ticket prices and booking details have not been announced.
Oman-UAE Rail Link: What Happens Next?
The next major milestone is the continuation of construction and railway infrastructure works ahead of the planned late-2027 trial operations. As construction progresses, travellers will be watching for further announcements covering passenger stations, ticket prices, booking dates, border procedures and the official launch of regular train services.