New UAE-Oman Freight Rail Service to Enhance Trade

Noatum Logistics, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has finalized a preliminary agreement with Hafeet Rail to establish a rail freight service connecting Abu Dhabi to Sohar. This announcement, made during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, marks a significant milestone as it introduces the first direct rail service between these influential Gulf cities, aimed at bolstering trade and optimizing supply chains.

Weekly High-Capacity Freight Operations

The agreement outlines a service running seven container trains weekly, each capable of transporting 276 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). With the flexibility to carry 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, the service is anticipated to manage an annual throughput of about 193,200 TEUs. This robust connection will facilitate a wide range of goods, including general merchandise, manufactured items, food products, pharmaceuticals, and agrifood supplies, ensuring dependable and adaptable logistics.

Enhancing Regional Supply Chain Dynamics

Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics, hailed the rail link as a game-changer, stating it “links two of the region’s key hubs by rail for the first time.” He emphasized that this initiative will offer customers an economical and sustainable transport solution, while enhancing regional supply chains and unlocking new avenues for business exchanges between the UAE and Oman.

Hafeet Rail's Contribution to Logistics

Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, noted that this dedicated rail service will ensure efficient cross-border container transport. He mentioned that this project is set to promote trade, foster sustainable development, and cement Hafeet Rail’s role as a crucial driver of regional logistics innovation. The collaboration aims to incorporate both countries into an expanded logistics network.

Environmental Advantages of Rail Freight

This new rail route provides an eco-friendlier alternative to road transport, significantly lessening fuel consumption and carbon emissions per freight tonne. Rail proves to be an effective mode for transporting large volumes of bulk cargo over distances. With its high load capacity and lower fuel usage, this system aligns with environmental goals while enhancing operational efficiency and cost savings for enterprises.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Noatum Logistics' current rail initiatives, such as the Khalifa Port–Fujairah Terminals shuttle launched in late 2024, create an excellent basis for this cross-border operation. The new Abu Dhabi–Sohar link will broaden the network’s reach, facilitating the fluid movement of goods between Emirati and Omani markets and improving the region’s logistics landscape.

Once up and running, this dedicated rail corridor will serve as a crucial trade route linking two key logistics hubs in the Arabian Peninsula. This partnership embodies both nations’ dedication to economic diversification, enhanced connectivity, and lower environmental footprints. By merging Hafeet Rail's infrastructure capabilities with Noatum Logistics’ freight expertise, the project sets a new benchmark for efficient and sustainable trading practices in the Gulf region.