Oman Rail-Etihad Rail JV Company board holds inaugural meeting

The Board of Directors of Oman Rail-Etihad Rail JV Company, the joint venture between Oman Rail, the developer and operator of the Oman national Rail Network, and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, held its inaugural meeting in Dubai, two days after signing an agreement to form the company.

Read: UAE and Oman to build $3bn railway line

During the meeting, the board discussed implementation plans, including technical studies and architectural design, as well as environmental studies for routes, the business model and the commercial affairs of the joint venture.

According to the state news agency, WAM, the board members discussed the importance of fast-tracking the execution of the project. The board also committed to adopting the highest global standards for security, safety, and sustainability throughout the development of the network, which will extend for 303 kilometres, to provide safe and fast passenger transport and freight services.

The $3bn railway network will contribute to the two countries’ economies, and improve the efficiency of supply chains while enabling cross-border trade by connecting commercial ports to the railway line.

The board appointed Ahmed Al Hashemi as CEO of Oman Rail-Etihad Rail JV Company, and Mohammed bin Zahran Al Mahruqi as Deputy CEO.

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and board member, said: “The joint railway network will advance the land transport system between the two countries in line with the best-in-class criteria and standards, providing safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation, which in turn, will further facilitate connectivity between industrial and commercial centres, and cement the long-standing social cohesion between the two countries.”

Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and board member,  added, “The strategic initiative to develop a railway network between Oman and the UAE would cement the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and would also reflect their joint efforts to achieve social and economic integration.

“Through this partnership and the progress of the logistics, it will bring about, various economic and trade activities will reap several benefits, creating new opportunities and providing high-quality transport solutions that will contribute to establishing a connection between Sohar and the Omani free zone, with vital economic and industrial zones in the UAE.”