New Rail Freight Link to Enhance UAE-Oman Trade

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Noatum Logistics, under the AD Ports Group, has partnered with Hafeet Rail to establish a dedicated rail freight service connecting Abu Dhabi and Sohar. Announced at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, this initiative marks a significant step as it introduces the first direct rail transport link between these Gulf hubs, aimed at enhancing trade relations and optimizing supply chains.

Planned Daily Freight Services

The new rail service aims to operate seven container trains weekly, each designed to carry 276 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This facility will handle various container sizes—20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot. The anticipated annual throughput stands at approximately 193,200 TEUs, allowing for the transport of various products, from manufactured goods and food items to pharmaceuticals and agricultural supplies, ensuring flexibility and consistency from the start.

Enhancing Supply Chain Integration

Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics, called the rail link a pivotal development as it connects two of the region’s key hubs through rail for the first time. The partnership is set to deliver a cost-efficient and eco-friendly transport solution, enhancing regional supply chains and opening doors for new business ventures between the UAE and Oman.

Role of Hafeet Rail in Logistics

Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, noted that the dedicated rail service will provide dependable and efficient cross-border container transport. He conveyed that this development will bolster trade, sustain growth, and position Hafeet Rail as a principal player in regional logistics advances, integrating the UAE and Oman's logistics capabilities.

Environmental Advantages of Rail Freight

This new rail corridor provides an eco-friendly alternative to road transport, significantly curbing fuel consumption and decreasing carbon emissions per unit of freight. Rail stands as an effective mode for transporting high-volume and bulk goods, accommodating medium to long distances. The corridor's robust load capacity and reduced fuel consumption not only support environmental initiatives but also enhance operational cost-effectiveness for businesses.

Expanding on Existing Services

Noatum Logistics' ongoing rail services, such as the Khalifa Port to Fujairah Terminals shuttle introduced in late 2024, provide a solid base for this new cross-border service. The Abu Dhabi to Sohar link will further extend the network's reach, facilitating seamless trade between Emirati and Omani markets, thereby enhancing logistics capabilities throughout the region.

This dedicated rail corridor, once operational, is anticipated to serve as a vital trade route linking two significant logistics hubs within the Arabian Peninsula. The partnership embodies the commitment of both nations to economic diversification, enhanced connectivity, and minimal environmental impact. By joining Hafeet Rail’s infrastructure expertise with Noatum Logistics’ freight management proficiency, this initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable and efficient trade in the Gulf.