Noatum Logistics Partners With Hafeet Rail To Launch Dedicated Freight Rail Service Connecting Sohar And Abu Dhabi

Noatum Logistics, part of AD Ports Group, has entered into a preliminary agreement with Hafeet Rail to establish a rail service linking Sohar in Oman and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. This agreement was signed at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, marking a crucial step towards creating a freight rail corridor between the UAE and Oman.

The proposed service will operate daily, utilising Hafeet Rail’s network once it is completed. It will run seven container trains weekly, each capable of carrying 276 TEUs. This translates to an annual capacity of approximately 193,200 TEUs. The service will cater to various container sizes—20ft, 40ft, and 45ft—ensuring consistent capacity from day one.

Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics at AD Ports Group, stated that this partnership represents a significant milestone in delivering integrated logistics solutions across the Middle East. He emphasised that connecting two strategic hubs via rail for the first time extends their service reach and offers customers a cost-effective and sustainable transport mode.

Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, highlighted that this agreement marks a major milestone as they develop the cross-border railway between Oman and the UAE. He noted that dedicated rail services enable reliable cross-border container transport, strengthening trade and promoting sustainable growth.

Rail freight forwarding is increasingly seen as a greener alternative for cargo transport. Compared to road transport, rail offers a more predictable and cost-efficient solution for moving large volumes over medium to long distances. Its lower fuel consumption results in reduced carbon emissions per tonne, helping customers meet sustainability goals while enhancing operational performance.

The agreement positions Hafeet Rail at the centre of a new logistics ecosystem that aims to transform goods flow between Oman and the UAE. This reinforces the railway's role as a catalyst for regional integration and sustainable development.

Expanding Logistics Network

Noatum Logistics’ new service along Hafeet Rail’s network builds on an existing rail shuttle service launched in Q3 of 2024. This connects Khalifa Port to Fujairah Terminals, further expanding their logistics network within the region.

This collaboration not only strengthens regional supply chains but also opens up new opportunities for economic integration between the UAE and Oman through infrastructure-led initiatives.

With inputs from WAM