In a major step forward for travel connectivity between the two countries, plans for the first railway between the UAE and Oman are in progress thanks to a new deal between Etihad Rail and Oman Rail.
The new Oman Etihad railway, which will be for passenger and freight trains, was announced on Wednesday September 28, during His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi’s state visit to Oman.
It’s the news UAE residents, long-time fans of a mini break to Sohar, weekend in Muscat or a quick jaunt to Salalah, have been waiting for.
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Here’s what we know about the Oman Etihad Rail so far:
Where will the new railway begin and end?
The railway network will connect Sohar in Oman to Abu Dhabi in the UAE, via Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network. For more on that, and all the exciting Etihad Rail developments finally connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai by passenger train, click here.
How long is the railway?
The railway line will be 303 km long. It will cater to both passenger and freight trains.
How long will it take to travel from the UAE to Oman on this train?
Passenger trains will travel at a maximum speed of 200km/h. This is fast, but not at the level of some of the high-speed trains you might have experienced elsewhere in the world, from Germany to China. Bit of trivia for your next pub quiz: the world’s fastest public train is the Shanghai Maglev in China, which travels at 460 kph.
But the Oman-Etihad-Rail is fast enough to dramatically reduce travel times. Trains are estimated to take 1 hour 40 minutes to move between Abu Dhabi and Sohar, and just 47 minutes to travel from Al Ain to Sohar.
To put this into context, it would take you at least three hours to drive from Abu Dhabi to Sohar.
Meanwhile, freight trains will go more slowly, up to 120 km/h.
Who is behind the deal?
National railway developers Oman Rail and Etihad Rail have teamed up to create Oman-Etihad Rail Company. It’s an equally owned company and an extension of the longstanding relationship between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail.
The goal is to provide seamless transport links between KEY business and industrial areas in Oman and the UAE.
How much will the new railway cost?
US $3bn has been earmarked to design, develop and operate the railway network.
When will the railway be ready to use?
There’s no update on this as yet. Stay tuned to Time Out for details.
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