The partnership agreement between shareholders to implement the Emirati-Omani railway network project strengthens relations between the two brotherly countries
ABU DHABI, 10th May / WAM / His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Office for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail Company, confirmed that the agreements announced during the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, to the sister country The United Arab Emirates comes within the framework of the wise directives of the leadership of the two brotherly countries to strengthen the established historical relations between the UAE and the sisterly Sultanate of Oman and bring them to the highest levels in order to achieve economic and commercial integration, and strengthen the strong social and cultural ties between the two countries.
Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala had announced the partnership agreement between shareholders, marking the start of construction work for the Omani-Emirati railway network project.
His Highness added that the joint railway network project is considered an additional step in the strategic projects between the two countries, especially since this project launches a new phase of planning for a better future for the two countries and the two brotherly peoples.
For his part, His Excellency Abdul Salam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority, said that the joint railway network is a qualitative addition to the logistics sector, and a stimulating step for various industrial sectors and economic activities. It in turn contributes to providing promising trade and investment opportunities for the private sector, and supporting the integration of Omani ports activities and linking them to regional and global markets. In addition to its contribution to attracting national and foreign investments, and improving the competitiveness of the two brotherly countries at the level of global trade, which enhances their economic prosperity.
An agreement was also signed to award the civil contracts for the joint network to an Omani-Emirati consortium led by “Trojan Construction Group” (NPC) and “Gulphar Engineering and Contracting” as part of joint efforts to build national capabilities, enhance local added value, and involve the private sector in implementing the project. The joint alliance includes Tristar Engineering and Construction and the National Infrastructure Construction Company.
An agreement was also signed to award systems and integration contracts for the railway network, to an alliance between Siemenso (HAC) to ensure that trains are equipped with the latest technology and technology represented by the European Signaling System (ETCS) of the second level, which is considered the most advanced to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and safety. In accordance with the highest international standards, the train will easily move between the two countries. Thus, the network will be equipped with an advanced infrastructure that includes complete digital control of the train and tracking its movement via the Global Positioning System (GPS), which increases the reliability of the network.
Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment revealed the new commercial identity of their joint company under the name “Hafeet Rail” (formerly Oman and Etihad Rail) after Jebel Hafeet, which extends between the Sultanate of Oman and the UAE, and is distinguished by its strategic location and historical status in the two countries, as it connects them to a single mountainous terrain that embodies… The mountainous and desert nature and limestone stones shared in the two countries… It is distinguished by its high altitude, which reaches 1,249 meters above sea level, in addition to being in the middle of many picturesque natural landmarks that attract citizens of the two countries and tourists from all over the world.
For his part, His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stressed the importance of the achievements achieved by the joint company since its establishment, which demonstrated high levels of efficiency and commitment to achieving connectivity between the two countries through a safe and sustainable joint railway network, in line with the strategic and historical relations and ties. Which links the two countries, pointing to the importance of the network in facilitating trade at the local and regional levels, opening new horizons in the infrastructure, transportation and logistics sectors, diversifying the national economy and achieving sustainable development in the two countries.
In turn, His Excellency Mohammed bin Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, Managing Director and CEO of the Holding Company, stressed the importance of the achievements achieved by the joint company during the 18 months since the announcement of the project, the most important of which is the completion of the engineering and preparatory work for the network and the commencement of the launch of construction work, pointing to the importance of the network in facilitating trade at the local levels. Regionally, opening new horizons in the infrastructure, transport and logistics sectors, diversifying the national economy and achieving comprehensive development, in addition to other tourism benefits of the network as it will contribute to facilitating the movement of travelers to and from the two countries.
Engineer Abdul Rahman bin Salem Al Hatmi, CEO of Asyad Group, explained the importance of this vital project in strengthening the position of the two brotherly countries as a logistical hub for import and distribution to regional and global markets in light of the rapid economic transformation witnessed by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in general and the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirates in particular. He stressed that the strategic visions and economic plans for this project aim primarily to enhance the integration of transportation services between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, and from there to the world. It will contribute to changing the logistics landscape in the region and enhancing the competitiveness of economic activities by providing a reliable and sustainable means of transportation that reduces time and cost and enhances port connectivity. Marine and land ports in local and regional markets.
On the economic level, the joint network, with a total investment value of $3 billion, will contribute to consolidating the position of the UAE and the Sultanate as logistics centers in the region and enhancing their role as gateways to regional markets.
The network will also lead to the provision of many new and diverse job opportunities, whether directly in railway operations, or indirectly in various sectors in the two countries, and the development of national talent.
Among the commercial benefits that the network will achieve are enhancing business growth and market access, raising the level of supply chain efficiency, facilitating cross-border trade between the two countries, and linking commercial ports with railways, where a single freight train trip can transport up to 15,000 tons of general cargo. , or shipping about 270 TEUs, and it will also enhance the competitiveness of both countries at the level of global trade, and provide trade and investment opportunities for the private sector.
It is expected that “Hafeet Trains” will contribute to the promotion and development of many sectors in the two countries, including the mining, iron and steel, agriculture and food sectors, retail trade, e-commerce, and the petrochemical sector, as it is distinguished by its ability to provide fast, safe and sustainable transportation solutions for goods of various sizes and weights. By rail.
As for the passenger train, the joint Omani-Emirati railway network project will connect the population centers between the two countries, strengthen social and family cohesion, and support the tourism sector. Travelers between the two countries will enjoy an easy and smooth journey with innovative solutions for travel procedures. The passenger train will reach a speed of up to 200 kilometers per hour. hour and can cover the distance between Sohar and Abu Dhabi in 100 minutes, and 47 minutes between Sohar and Al Ain… while the passenger capacity of one train will reach up to 400 passengers.
The signing of the agreements confirms the support of the project by the governments of the two countries and their keenness to implement it and move forward in strengthening the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and historical relations, to contribute to strengthening the bonds of love that unite the two brotherly peoples.. It also comes within the framework of efforts aimed at enhancing joint cooperation and coordination in various economic, commercial and investment fields. Cultural and developmental, and its continued support to meet the aspirations of the two countries and achieve their goals to reach sustainable development.
The agreements are in line with the directives of the leadership of the two countries regarding opening new horizons in the transport and logistics sector by linking the two countries with a joint railway network.
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