The UAE and Oman are developing a 303km rail network. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
The UAE and Oman are developing a 303km rail network. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
The UAE and Oman are developing a 303km rail network. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
The UAE and Oman are developing a 303km rail network. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

$3 billion UAE-Oman rail network to create jobs and boost economy, officials say


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A $3 billion project to build a railway link between the UAE and Oman will create job opportunities and bolster ties between the Gulf neighbours, officials have said.

Oman and Etihad Rail Company, a joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, is overseeing the large-scale transport scheme.

Trains that can reach speeds of 200kph will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar to the north of Muscat.

An agreement was signed last month with Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor, for the development of the 303km route.

The board of directors of Oman-Etihad Rail Company underlined the significance of the ambitious plans during their latest meeting in Muscat.

The meeting was attended by Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, and Saeed Al Maawali, Oman's Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Vice Chairman of the Oman and Etihad Rail board.

Members of the board praised the initiative as a "new milestone in the relationship between the two countries", the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Friday.

"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 the Sultanate of Oman and the UAE," it said.

Rail scheme on track

Board members were updated on the progress of the joint network, as well as the results of engineering design reviews and system studies.

The studies were conducted in order to ensure the network was able to operate in the Middle East climate, which typically experiences higher temperatures than many parts of the world.

The board also discussed ways to integrated the latest technologies and best international practices to allow for the smooth running of the rail line.

What we know about key rail project

The transport link, first announced in September, is aimed at bolstering trade and tourism opportunities between the UE and Oman and the rest of the region.

It is not yet clear when the rail project will be completed.

The regional rail line will serve both passenger and freight trains when up and running.

Passenger services will operate at up to 200kph, with freight trains reaching 120kph.

It will reduce journey times between Abu Dhabi and Sohar, to the north of Muscat, to 100 minutes, and trips from Sohar to Al Ain to 47 minutes.

Plans include connecting the UAE's existing freight services line to Sohar, the sultanate's deep-sea port.

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The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

If you go

The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

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The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

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The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm

Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: L/100km

Price: Dh306,495

On sale: now

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Defined Benefit Plan (DB)

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Defined Contribution Plan (DC) 

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Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

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The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

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The stats

Ship name: MSC Bellissima

Ship class: Meraviglia Class

Delivery date: February 27, 2019

Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

Passenger capacity: 5,686

Crew members: 1,536

Number of cabins: 2,217

Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.

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Updated: March 31, 2023, 10:34 AM