Post by : Badri Ariffin

A new era of cross-border trade between the UAE and Oman is set to begin as Noatum Logistics, part of AD Ports Group, signs a preliminary agreement with Hafeet Rail to operate a dedicated freight rail service. The announcement was made at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, signaling a significant development in regional logistics infrastructure.

The planned rail corridor will link Sohar in Oman to Abu Dhabi, offering a daily service with seven container trains per week. Each train will have a capacity of 276 TEUs, enabling an annual throughput of around 193,200 TEUs. The service will handle 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, supporting the transportation of general cargo, manufactured goods, food products, pharmaceuticals, agrifoods, and other essential supplies.

This initiative not only promises to streamline logistics operations but also provides a cost-efficient and scalable alternative to road transport. Rail freight is recognized for its ability to move large volumes of cargo with lower fuel consumption, offering predictable schedules and significantly reduced carbon emissions. For businesses, this translates into optimized operational performance and stronger sustainability credentials.

The Noatum-Hafeet Rail partnership builds on existing regional rail services, including the current shuttle linking Khalifa Port to Fujairah Terminals, which was launched in late 2024. By integrating this new cross-border rail line, the UAE-Oman trade corridor is expected to witness enhanced efficiency and greater economic integration, strengthening supply chains and opening new avenues for commerce.

As the Middle East continues to invest in infrastructure-led trade facilitation, this rail project underscores the growing role of sustainable transport in regional logistics, providing a reliable and modern alternative to traditional road networks.

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