Post by : Badri Ariffin

Noatum Logistics, part of AD Ports Group, and Hafeet Rail, developer of the UAE-Oman cross-border railway, have signed a preliminary agreement to launch a dedicated rail freight service linking Abu Dhabi and Sohar. The announcement, made during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, marks the first direct rail connection between the two Gulf hubs, aimed at improving trade and strengthening supply chains.

Daily High-Capacity Freight Service Planned

Under the agreement, the rail service will run seven container trains per week, each carrying 276 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The trains will accommodate 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, with an annual throughput of around 193,200 TEUs. This high-capacity link is expected to transport a variety of goods, including general cargo, manufactured products, food items, pharmaceuticals, and agrifood supplies, ensuring flexibility and reliability from day one.

Strengthening Regional Supply Chains

Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics, described the rail link as a milestone that “connects two of the region’s most strategic hubs via rail for the first time.” He highlighted that the partnership would provide customers with a cost-effective and sustainable transport option while reinforcing regional supply chains and opening new business opportunities between the UAE and Oman.

Hafeet Rail’s Role in Regional Logistics

Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, emphasized that the dedicated rail service would provide efficient and reliable cross-border container transport. He stated that the project will boost trade, support sustainable growth, and position Hafeet Rail as a central enabler of regional logistics transformation. The collaboration is expected to play a key role in integrating the UAE and Oman into a broader logistics ecosystem.

Sustainability Benefits of Rail Freight

The new rail corridor offers a greener alternative to road transport, reducing fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions per tonne of freight. Rail is an efficient mode for moving high-volume and bulk cargo over medium to long distances. The system’s high load capacity and lower fuel intensity support environmental goals while improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for businesses.

Building on Existing Operations

Noatum Logistics’ current rail operations, including the Khalifa Port–Fujairah Terminals shuttle launched in late 2024, provide a strong foundation for the cross-border service. The new Abu Dhabi–Sohar link will expand the network’s reach, facilitating seamless movement of goods between Emirati and Omani markets and enhancing the region’s overall logistics capabilities.

Once operational, the dedicated rail corridor will serve as a high-capacity trade artery connecting two strategic logistics hubs in the Arabian Peninsula. The partnership reflects both countries’ commitment to economic diversification, improved connectivity, and reduced environmental impact. By combining Hafeet Rail’s infrastructure expertise with Noatum Logistics’ freight management skills, the project sets a new standard for sustainable and efficient trade in the Gulf region.

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