Saudi Gulf News
MUSCAT – Oman is accelerating its transportation transformation under Oman Vision 2040 and the Transport and Logistics Strategy (2021–2025), with more than $4 billion invested in recent years to upgrade national infrastructure. At the center of this modernization are two major projects: the Muscat Metro and the Hafeet Rail link with the UAE—both of which are progressing steadily.
The spotlight was recently cast on these projects during the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day held in Muscat, where industry leaders and officials discussed the progress and potential of Oman’s evolving transport sector.
Through strategic funding and vision-led planning, the Omani government has set the groundwork for a radical shift in how people and goods move across the Sultanate.
Muscat Metro: A Modern Urban Lifeline in the Making
Still in the feasibility stage, the Muscat Metro project envisions a 50-kilometre rail network that will span 36 stations across the capital. When completed, this system will serve as Oman’s first urban rail network, expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable mobility.
Rather than responding to today’s needs alone, the metro project has been designed to anticipate Muscat’s growing urban sprawl and rising population. The future network will connect essential zones—residential, commercial, and transit—forming the backbone of the city’s mobility infrastructure.
Hafeet Rail: Connecting Economies Beyond Borders
Simultaneously, the Hafeet Rail Project is making headway. It will link Oman directly with the United Arab Emirates, forming a critical rail corridor for both freight and passenger transport. By enhancing regional trade flow and economic integration, this initiative reflects Oman’s broader ambitions of becoming a logistics hub for the Gulf region.
The railway’s design not only prioritizes cross-border efficiency but also aligns with sustainability goals and multimodal transport integration, strengthening its value for long-term economic growth.
Greener Transport, Smarter Systems
Public transport modernization isn’t limited to rail. Oman is actively transitioning toward greener alternatives, including the introduction of electric buses, upgraded infrastructure, and more seamless service integration. These reforms reflect the Sultanate’s determination to build an eco-conscious and technologically integrated mobility landscape.
France Supports Oman's Mobility Vision
International partnerships are playing a pivotal role in supporting Oman’s mobility ambitions. The Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day, organized by Business France and backed by the French Embassy in Oman, showcased a dynamic exchange of expertise between both nations.
The event featured key Omani stakeholders like Mwasalat, ASYAD, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce, alongside 13 French companies offering cutting-edge solutions in areas such as urban rail systems, digital infrastructure, and safety technologies.
Luciano Rispoli, deputy head of mission at the French Embassy, inaugurated the event and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Oman’s sustainable transport journey. Among the companies presenting were:
-
Dassault Systèmes, which introduced simulation tools for rail system optimization.
-
VINCI Construction Grands Projects and RATP Dev, who contributed their experience in large-scale project development and transit operations.
-
Apave, Codra, OXYSIGN, and Saarstahl Rail, who displayed technologies related to maintenance, signage, and safety.
These collaborative efforts underscore how international innovation is reinforcing Oman’s infrastructure development and mobility transformation.
A Vision Taking Shape
With strong backing from strategic partners and continued investment in both planning and execution, Oman’s ambitions are becoming tangible. The Muscat Metro and Hafeet Rail projects are poised to redefine the country’s transportation future—placing sustainability, connectivity, and technology at the heart of development.
As groundwork continues and cooperation deepens, Oman is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable, smart mobility, setting a precedent for infrastructure evolution across the GCC.
0 Comments