UAE

A Closer Look: Etihad Rail announces deal with Oman

UAE and Oman have signed an agreement to link countries by passenger train

Sarah Forster
Sarah Forster

September 30, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A Closer Look is The National's new show where we take a more in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

The UAE and Oman will soon be linked by a rail network that will carry both freight and passengers in a major new deal.

Passenger trains that can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar in the north of Muscat, the Oman News Agency (ONA) said this week. Freight trains will run at up to 120kph.

The announcement came after President Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Oman on Tuesday for a two-day state visit.

Here, Rory and Sarah discuss what this means for the residents of both countries.

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Etihad Rail connects major freight terminal in Abu Dhabi to main network

UAE and Oman sign deal to link countries by passenger train

A rendering of a train to be used on the UAE’s new passenger rail service. All Photos: Etihad Rail
A rendering of a train to be used on the UAE’s new passenger rail service. All Photos: Etihad Rail
Passenger cabins are spacious, allowing people to travel in comfort.
Passenger cabins are spacious, allowing people to travel in comfort.
The commercial benefits of moving cargo meant the initial focus was on freight.
The commercial benefits of moving cargo meant the initial focus was on freight.
Now the focus has turned to the passenger network.
Now the focus has turned to the passenger network.
The service will offer a reliable, safe, efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly way to travel across the region.
The service will offer a reliable, safe, efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly way to travel across the region.
Etihad Rail is working closely with the Federal Transport Authority and transport authorities throughout the country to develop existing networks to improve passenger connections.
Etihad Rail is working closely with the Federal Transport Authority and transport authorities throughout the country to develop existing networks to improve passenger connections.
Eventually, population centres across the UAE will be connected to neighbouring GCC countries.
Eventually, population centres across the UAE will be connected to neighbouring GCC countries.
Passenger carriages will feature sleek, well-equipped cabins.
Passenger carriages will feature sleek, well-equipped cabins.
Work on Etihad Rail began in 2009.
Work on Etihad Rail began in 2009.
Greenhouse gases will be slashed by more than 2.2 million tonnes a year once the network is fully operational.
Greenhouse gases will be slashed by more than 2.2 million tonnes a year once the network is fully operational.
The new passenger rail service is expected to significantly reduce road congestion and the number of traffic accidents.
The new passenger rail service is expected to significantly reduce road congestion and the number of traffic accidents.
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Uefa Champions League, semi-final result:

Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona

Liverpool win 4-3 on aggregate

Champions Legaue final: June 1, Madrid

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Power: 450hp

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Yorkshire Vikings 144-1 in 12.5 overs
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Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

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  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

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Company name: Farmin

Date started: March 2019

Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi 

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: AgriTech

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