Abu Dhabi, UAE: Oman and Etihad Rail Company, the developer and operator of the UAE-Oman Rail Network, signed a cooperation agreement with Mubadala Investment Company, a sovereign investor in Abu Dhabi, to support the development of the 303km railway network, which connects Oman and the UAE, with an overall investment value of USD 3 billion.

The partnership comes in line with the two parties’ efforts to explore investment opportunities in the railway sector and strengthen cooperation to support the Oman and Etihad Rail Company in accelerating the planning and execution process of the UAE-Oman Rail Network.

The cooperation agreement includes formation of working groups and joint committees to benefit from the shared expertise and knowledge, joint efforts in developing economic and financial feasibility studies, in addition to joint investments in the development of the UAE-Oman railway network and cooperation to enhance the project’s added value.

The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Chairman of Oman and Etihad Rail Company,, has witnessed the signing ceremony, along with members of the Board of Directors of Oman and Etihad Rail.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of the Oman and Etihad Rail Company, and Dr. Bakheet Saeed Al Katheeri, Executive Director of the UAE Industries Unit at Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform.

His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, said: “The establishment of Oman-Etihad Rail network, is an extension of the strategic relations and strong historical ties between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman, and the foundation of the strong partnership between Etihad Rail and Oman Rail.  The joint venture will transform the infrastructure, transport, and logistics sectors, and enhance commercial movement and social cohesion, by linking economic, industrial, commercial, and residential centers through the railway network.”

“The signing of the cooperation agreement between Oman and Etihad Rail company and Mubadala reflects the commitment of both parties to building strategic partnerships and strengthening cooperation with leading entities to promote investment, economic growth, and comprehensive development in both countries. The agreement will contribute to enhancing and developing the national economy in the UAE and the Sultanate by improving supply chain efficiency, opening new cross-border trade opportunities, and providing safe and sustainable means of transportation via rail for passengers and goods,” His Excellency added.

Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Executive Director of the UAE Industries Unit at Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform, commented: “"The MOU signed between Mubadala, and Oman and Etihad Rail Company is designed to explore and unlock new opportunities in the infrastructure, transport, and logistics industries. The strategic partnership with Oman and Etihad Rail Company is aimed at driving economic development and collaboration amongst both countries as well as create value for all stakeholders."

Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Oman and Etihad Rail Company said: “The rail network between Oman and UAE is of strategic importance as it is a valuable addition to the logistics service sector in both countries, and contribute to increasing their competitiveness in the market by reducing the total cost of the supply chain. This is in line with both countries’ goals of achieving sustainable development by improving the transport and infrastructure sectors. The agreement with Mubadala reaffirms the strategic position of the joint rail network project to achieve its objectives and ambitions.”

New prospects

The signing of the agreement follows the establishment of the Oman and Etihad Rail Company, a joint venture established by Oman Rail, the Sultanate’s national developer and operator of railway networks, and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, under the agreement signed last September between the two companies on the sidelines of the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Oman.

Economic Benefits and Business Opportunities

The UAE-Oman Rail Network will increase market competitiveness and reduce the overall cost of supply chains, due to its increased efficiency compared to other modes of transport. The Network will also provide trade and investment opportunities for the private sector, providing new and diverse job opportunities, training national human resources, enriching tourism activities, improving the competitiveness of the two countries in global trade and establishing their position as logistics hubs that serve as gateways to regional markets.

The network will employ the highest international security, safety, and environmental standards to provide safe and fast passenger and freight services. Passenger trains will run up to 200 km per hour, reducing the time of the journey between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to 100 minutes, and between Sohar and Al Ain to 47 minutes, while the freight train speed will reach 120 km per hour.

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About Oman and Etihad Rail Company:

Oman and Etihad Rail Company was established in September 2022, as a joint venture, equally owned by Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Railway Network, and Oman Rail, Sultanate’s national developer and operator of railway network, with the goal of designing, building, and operating a railway network that links Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network, with a total project investment of 3 billion dollars.

The Company will lay the groundwork and workplan for the execution of the project, including its financial mechanisms and schedule, and thus overseeing the design, implementation, and operation of the railway network, which connects Sohar and Abu Dhabi, in line with the standards of the two countries.

For more information, please visit https://uaeoman.etihadrail.ae/

For more information, please contact:
Etihad Rail Communications Department:
Email: media@etihadrail.ae
Website: www.etihadrail.ae
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Mustapha Al Tayech
mustapha.altayech@hkstrategies.com

About Mubadala Investment Company:

Mubadala Investment Company is a sovereign investor managing a global portfolio, aimed at generating sustainable financial returns for the Government of Abu Dhabi.

Mubadala’s $243 billion (AED 894 billion) portfolio spans six continents with interests in multiple sectors and asset classes. We leverage our deep sectoral expertise and long-standing partnerships to drive sustainable growth and profit, while supporting the continued diversification and global integration of the economy of the United Arab Emirates.   

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Mubadala has offices in London, Moscow, New York, and Beijing.

For more information about Mubadala Investment Company, please visit: www.mubadala.com
For more information about Mubadala Investment Company, please visit: www.mubadala.com and follow @Mubadala on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.