Hafeet Rail, the developer and operator of the Oman–UAE Joint Railway Network, has announced a series of key milestones in the construction of the landmark cross-border project, confirming that work remains firmly on track and on schedule.

Among the most significant achievements to date is the commencement of tunnelling work in the Al-Hajar Mountains in the Governorate of Al-Buraimi, which marks the start of one of the most transformative segments of the project.

The detailed design has been completed, the access roads to the tunnel entrances have been secured to allow the delivery of heavy equipment and construction materials, and the drilling and blasting work on the tunnel portals is underway before the full excavation phase begins. Once the tunnel civil work is completed, formation, track laying and systems implementation in the tunnels will follow.

Every stage of this work is being carried out with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Advanced engineering and monitoring systems are deployed to ensure structural integrity, protect nearby communities, and minimize the project’s environmental footprint.

Earlier this month, Hafeet Rail received the first delivery of tracks at Sohar Port, a major milestone that reflects the project’s steady progress towards future track laying. At the same time, the project is progressing with earthworks and the construction of other key infrastructure, including 881 culverts and 57 bridges, some of which are up to 34 metres high.

Together with the progress in tunnelling, these achievements bring the Oman–UAE Joint Railway closer to becoming a transformative enabler of regional connectivity, cross-border trade and sustainable growth.