A New Rail Corridor Linking Abu Dhabi and Sohar: A Strategic Step in Gulf Logistics Integration

The company Noatum Logistics, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has announced the signing of a preliminary agreement with Hafeet Rail to launch rail freight services between Sohar in the Oman and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The move represents a significant step toward establishing a strategic rail and trade corridor that will enhance the flow of goods between the two countries and support the development of an integrated Gulf transportation system, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Under the agreement, Noatum Logistics will launch a daily freight service via the Hafeet Rail network once the project is completed. The service will operate seven container trains per week, each capable of carrying up to 276 containers, with an estimated annual handling capacity of approximately 193,200 TEUs.

The new service will accommodate standard container sizes of 20, 40, and 45 feet, providing significant operational flexibility to meet the needs of various industrial and commercial sectors. The railway will transport a wide range of goods, including general cargo, industrial products, food supplies, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and other essential commodities traded between the two countries.

Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics, emphasized that the agreement marks a major milestone in the company’s strategy to expand integrated and sustainable logistics solutions. He noted that connecting the ports of Abu Dhabi and Sohar via rail will create an efficient and cost-effective transportation option with strong scalability in line with the growth of regional trade.

For his part, Ahmed Al Hashmi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, stated that the partnership opens new horizons for developing a cross-border railway network linking the UAE and Oman. He added that rail transport contributes to reducing carbon emissions while improving the efficiency and reliability of freight operations, thereby supporting sustainable economic growth across the region.

With the signing of this agreement, Hafeet Rail further consolidates its position as a key hub within the emerging Gulf logistics ecosystem, strengthening economic and developmental integration between the UAE and Oman and paving the way for expanded regional partnerships in sustainable transportation.

It is worth noting that the rail freight services provided by Noatum through the Hafeet network complement the domestic shipping routes linking Khalifa Port with the ports of Fujairah, which were launched in the third quarter of 2024. This integration further reinforces the UAE’s position as a pivotal regional hub in Gulf supply chains and trade networks.