First Board Meeting Discusses Fast Execution Plan

The Board of Directors of Oman Rail-Etihad Rail JV, a joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, has held its first meeting to discuss the fast-track implementation plan.

The meeting was held in Dubai two days after the signing of the agreement to establish the company.

Officials discussed implementation plans, including technical studies and architectural design, as well as environmental studies for the route, business models and commercial aspects of the joint venture.

The board is also committed to applying the highest global standards of security, safety and sustainability throughout the development of the network, which will extend 303 kilometers to provide safe and fast passenger and freight services, according to a press release.

The company is tasked with laying the groundwork and work plan for the project, including its financial elements and timetable, and will also be responsible for the design, development and operation of the railway network, Emirates state news agency Wam said on Thursday.

On 29 September, during President Sheikh Mohammed’s state visit to Oman, an agreement to build the railway network was signed.

This rail The network will carry cargo and passengers.

The Oman News Agency said the train, which can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar, north of Muscat. The freight train will run at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour.

The deal includes connecting existing UAE freight service Travel to Sohar, the deep sea port of the Sultanate.

Passenger trains will reach 200 kilometers per hour, running 100 minutes between Sohar and Abu Dhabi and 47 minutes between Sohar and Al Ain.

The freight trains can reach speeds of 120 kilometers per hour and have an annual capacity of 22.5 million tons of bulk cargo and 282,000 containers.

The company will receive an investment of about 1.16 billion Omani rials ($3 billion).

Board members include Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Eng Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman; Sheikh Nasser Sulaiman Al Harthy, Acting Vice President, Operations, Oman Investment Authority and Board of Directors of Asyad Group Chairman; Saeed Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of Etihad Rail Mobility; Eng Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Asyad Group; and Eng Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Rail.

Eng Ahmed Al Hashemi was appointed CEO of the company and Eng Mohammed bin Zahran Al Mahruqi was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

“The joint rail network will advance the land transport system between the two countries in accordance with best-in-class standards and standards, providing safe, reliable and sustainable transport, which in turn will further promote connectivity between industrial and commercial centres, and consolidate the long-term relationship between the two countries. There is social cohesion,” said Mr Al Mazrouei.

$3 billion The railway network will help the development of both countries​​ Facilitate cross-border trade by connecting commercial ports with rail networks.

Updated: October 2, 2022 at 2:55 pm