UAE Follows Oman with Saudi Arabia and India Eyeing New Railway Tourism Opportunities

Image generated with Ai

Oman and the UAE are gearing up to revolutionize cross-border travel with Hafeet Rail, a new 238-km railway that would enable train rides lasting merely 47 minutes between the cities of Al Ain and Sohar. This state-of-the-art transport project aims to enhance convenience, speed, and accessibility for travelers from around the world. The rail is under construction at the moment, but once operational, it will offer travelers the much-sought opportunity of combining different tourist destinations in their itinerary.

Hafeet Rail Promises a Major Breakthrough for UAE and Oman Tourism

Hafeet Rail will establish a cross-border railway connecting Oman’s Sohar region with the UAE’s national rail network. The project will offer passenger services alongside freight transportation, creating an important transport corridor between the neighbouring countries. According to official project specifications, passenger trains will reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, significantly improving future regional connectivity for tourists and residents alike.

The proposed journey between Sohar and Al Ain will take approximately 47 minutes, while passengers travelling between Sohar and Abu Dhabi could complete their journey in around 100 minutes. Each passenger train will accommodate up to 400 people. These figures represent planned operating capabilities rather than journey times already available to travellers.

UAE Oman Railway Construction Reaches Important Milestone

The project achieved 40 per cent completion in April 2026, according to an official announcement from Etihad Rail. Construction continues across Al Ain, Al Buraimi, Wadi Al Jizzi and Sohar. Engineers are developing railway infrastructure through mountainous landscapes, industrial districts and deep valleys, including bridges, tunnels and flood-protection systems that will support long-term operations and passenger safety.

The milestone highlights progress towards connecting two major Gulf tourism markets. However, the latest verified official completion figure remains 40 per cent, and no confirmed passenger inauguration date has been established in the reviewed announcements. Tourists should therefore treat Hafeet Rail as an upcoming travel opportunity rather than a service currently available for booking.

Hafeet Rail Ticket Prices and Booking Details for Tourists

One of the biggest questions concerns Hafeet Rail ticket prices. As of 26 October 2026, the official project announcements reviewed do not establish passenger fares, ticket categories, booking dates or reservation arrangements for the UAE–Oman service. Travellers cannot yet calculate the final cost of journeys between Sohar, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi using an official Hafeet Rail fare schedule.

However, Etihad Rail’s separate domestic UAE passenger service provides an indication of how modern rail bookings operate in the country. Its Abu Dhabi–Fujairah introductory fares started at AED55 in Comfort Class and AED120 in Premium Class. These prices do not apply to Hafeet Rail. Cross-border fares will require a separate official announcement.

Oman’s Sohar Could Gain a Powerful New Tourism Connection

Sohar could benefit considerably from the proposed railway because visitors travelling from the UAE would gain another convenient transport option. The coastal Omani city combines maritime heritage with access to the Al Batinah region. Oman’s official tourism platform highlights Sohar Fort as an important cultural attraction, presenting opportunities for heritage exploration and locally organised sightseeing experiences.

The 47-minute proposed connection from Al Ain could make short visits to Sohar more practical, depending on station access and border procedures. Hotels, restaurants, tour operators and local transport providers could benefit from additional visitors. However, tourism growth will depend on actual passenger demand, operating frequencies, onward connections and competitive ticket prices.

Al Ain’s Heritage Attractions Could Attract More Visitors from Oman

Al Ain offers another compelling reason to follow Hafeet Rail’s development. Located near the Oman border, the UAE destination features UNESCO-listed cultural landscapes, historic forts, palm-filled oases and mountain scenery. Visitors can explore Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort and Jebel Hafit while discovering the region’s distinctive history, traditional architecture and remarkable desert environment.

For tourists staying in Oman, a future railway connection could provide easier access to these attractions without requiring a lengthy intercity road journey. Likewise, visitors based in Abu Dhabi could potentially combine Al Ain sightseeing with onward travel towards Sohar. Such itineraries will depend on the confirmed passenger timetable and station locations.

UAE Passenger Rail Expansion Creates Further Opportunities

The UAE’s domestic passenger railway is already developing independently of Hafeet Rail. Etihad Rail introduced scheduled services between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in June 2026 and expanded its network to Dubai and Al Dhaid in September. This development provides an important domestic foundation for future regional connections and wider railway-based tourism experiences.

The national network has also introduced modern passenger facilities, including Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and comfortable seating. Nevertheless, tourists should distinguish confirmed domestic services from the proposed international connection. Integrated UAE–Oman tickets, guaranteed transfers and through-service arrangements have not been confirmed in the official Hafeet Rail information reviewed.

Border Requirements Remain Important for International Travellers

Although Hafeet Rail aims to simplify cross-border journeys, international tourists will still need to consider immigration requirements. Entry eligibility varies according to nationality, residency and visa category. Oman’s Royal Oman Police provides official electronic visa guidance, including information about tourist visas and arrangements for qualifying GCC residents.

The railway’s final immigration procedures, passport inspection arrangements and passenger documentation requirements have not been announced in the reviewed material. Therefore, travellers should not assume that rail travel will automatically provide visa-free entry. Checking both countries’ official immigration guidance will remain essential before organising an international itinerary.

Hafeet Rail Routes and Passenger Services at a Glance

Information reflects published Hafeet Rail, Oman Rail and Etihad Rail project announcements reviewed on 26 October 2026.

What Tourists Should Know Before Planning Their Journey

• Hafeet Rail passenger services are not yet available for tourist bookings.
• The 47-minute Sohar–Al Ain journey remains a planned travel time.
• Ticket prices, departure schedules and international booking arrangements await confirmation.
• Visitors should continue checking passport and visa requirements for both countries.
• Current UAE domestic Etihad Rail services are separate from the future cross-border route.

A New Chapter for Tourism Between Two Gulf Neighbours

Hafeet Rail does more than simply aim for the building of railway links. It tries to bring Oman and the UAE much closer, facilitating the movement of travelers around the Arabian peninsula. Various tourist attractions, including historic ones, beach resorts and hospitality services may feel their advantages as soon as travelers become able to visit several countries in a row more easily. The most alluring aspect for tourists is the proposed train journey between Al Ain and Sohar that will take no more than 47 minutes. However, the actual impact on tourism in the future will depend upon ticket prices, schedules and immigration procedures that have not yet been announced.