Image Credit : WAM
A landmark step toward regional connectivity was announced on Friday as Noatum Logistics, part of AD Ports Group, signed a preliminary agreement with Hafeet Rail, the developer and operator of the first-ever cross-border railway network linking the UAE and Oman. The partnership will establish a new rail freight service between Sohar and Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in GCC logistics integration.
Under the agreement, Noatum Logistics will operate a daily rail service on the Hafeet Rail network, running seven container trains per week, each with a capacity of 276 TEUs equivalent to an annual throughput of 193,200 TEUs. The service will accommodate 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, ensuring dedicated and consistent capacity from the first day of operation.
The rail connection is expected to handle a diverse range of cargo, including manufactured goods, general cargo, food products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural supplies, and other essential commodities, reinforcing trade flows between the UAE and Oman.
The agreement was signed during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, symbolizing a new era of infrastructure-led economic collaboration between the two nations.
Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics, said:
“By linking two of the region’s most strategic trade hubs via rail for the first time, we are expanding the reach of our services and enabling customers to benefit from a transport mode that is cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable. Beyond the operational benefits, this initiative strengthens regional supply chains and deepens the economic integration between the UAE and Oman.”
Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, added:
“Our partnership with Noatum Logistics marks a major milestone in the development of the UAE-Oman railway. This dedicated service will provide reliable and efficient container transport between both nations, further boosting trade and driving sustainable growth across the region.”
A Sustainable Step Forward
The new UAE–Oman rail link aligns with both countries’ goals to decarbonize logistics operations and enhance supply chain efficiency. Rail transport provides a greener alternative to road freight, significantly reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions per tonne of cargo moved.
By leveraging Hafeet Rail’s cross-border network, Noatum Logistics aims to offer businesses a predictable, cost-efficient, and environmentally responsible transport solution for medium- and long-distance freight.The partnership also builds upon Noatum’s existing rail shuttle service connecting Khalifa Port to Fujairah Terminals, launched in 2024, further cementing AD Ports Group’s vision of creating an integrated, multimodal logistics ecosystem that connects key regional markets.
