Wednesday 08 / October / 2025
Al Buraimi: Hafeet Rail, the developer and operator of the joint Oman-UAE railway network project, has announced the commencement of tunneling work in the Al Hajar Mountains in Al Buraimi Governorate. This marks a qualitative start to one of the most important transformational phases of the project.
The company added that it has achieved a series of major milestones in the implementation of this strategic cross-border project, confirming that work is progressing steadily and according to the scheduled timetable, with detailed design work completed.
Roads leading to the tunnel entrances have been constructed to allow access for heavy equipment and construction materials, while excavation and blasting work continues at the tunnel entrances in preparation for the full excavation phase.
After the completion of the civil works for the tunnels, the stages of forming the route, laying the tracks, and implementing the railway systems within them will follow.
These works are being carried out in accordance with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and environmental protection, employing advanced engineering techniques and monitoring systems to ensure the safety of the structures and protect the surrounding communities, while minimising the project's environmental impacts.
Hafeet Rail received its first shipment of railway track via Sohar Port, a significant achievement that reflects the ongoing progress toward the track-laying phase.
In parallel, construction work is progressing in other areas, including excavation, backfilling, and infrastructure construction, including the construction of 881 wadi culverts and 57 bridges, some of which reach heights of up to 34 metres.
With this progress in tunneling work, these achievements represent a pivotal step that brings the Omani-Emirati railway network project closer to becoming one of the most prominent enablers of regional connectivity, enhancing cross-border trade, and supporting the path to sustainable economic growth.
