The Board of Directors of Oman and Etihad Rail, the organization responsible for the railway network connecting the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), convened a meeting in Muscat.
During the meeting, the board assessed the progress that supports the ongoing development of the project, which aims to establish a highly efficient railway network linking Sohar Port with the UAE National Railway Network, adhering to global standards.
Key accomplishments highlighted in the meeting included the implementation of innovative engineering solutions to address various terrains along the route, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in tunnel construction and a 50 percent reduction in bridge construction. The project includes several tunnels spanning 2.5 kilometers in length and bridges reaching a height of 34 meters. Specialized hydrological solutions were also incorporated to address diverse weather conditions along the network.
The board also reviewed the status of various tenders for all project components, encompassing civil works, systems, locomotives, and trailers.
The meeting underscored the active participation of local companies and their collaboration with renowned global firms specialized in these fields. It emphasized the importance of promoting local added value throughout the project's various aspects.
Furthermore, the board acknowledged the progress in tender processes for different project segments and lauded the robust partnerships established, both domestically and internationally. It emphasized the significance of localization in stimulating economic contributions, along with the effective coordination between authorities in the UAE and Oman, exemplified by the swift issuance of permits and certificates.
The board also delved into the company's cooperative strategies with various enterprises in the UAE and Oman, aiming to establish integrated logistics solutions. These initiatives are designed to interconnect the railway network with ports, maritime and land transportation, and logistics services, including warehousing and distribution, in response to evolving customer demands.
The meeting concluded with a discussion of the plans required to integrate logistics solutions, connecting rail networks, ports, freight, and services to meet customer requirements. The board emphasized the project's role in enhancing commercial activities and fostering social cohesion by linking economic, industrial, commercial, and residential areas through a comprehensive railway network. This is part of the joint efforts by both parties in various aspects of economic and social development.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, and Eng. Said Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, along with other board members.