Oman and UAE Join Forces for $3 Billion Railway Network to Boost Regional Connectivity and Economy.

Oman Rail and Etihad Rail Company are inviting pre-qualification bids from companies specialized in executing mega infrastructure projects in Oman, as part of a $3 billion joint venture to develop and build a railway network between the two countries, the Oman News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The move aims to expand the role of the private sector in the state-owned project and the national economy of both nations, with the project meant to connect Oman’s Sohar Port to the north of the country with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Rail Network.

Local companies and joint venture consortiums from Oman and the UAE may apply with a $13,6154.70 (AED 50,000) bidding fee by March 27, and an explanation about their qualifications, completion date and methodology.

The 188-mile railway is part of a larger project to connect to the UAE National Rail Network launched last month, which aims to link all seven emirates of the country via one main railway extending 560 miles.

The Etihad Rail Company’s train network of 38 locomotives and 1,000 multipurpose vehicles capable of carrying 60 million tons of goods annually is projected to contribute $54.46 billion to the country’s economy over the next 50 years, in part by linking to the planned Oman and Etihad Rail Company railway.

The train is expected to improve the logistics surrounding the transport of goods, materials and also people between the two countries more efficiently by reducing travel times.

Passenger trains are designed to cut travel time in almost half from Oman’s northern coast city of Sohar to the region of Al Ain from 1 hour and 40 minutes to an estimated 47 minutes, traveling at speeds of 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour.

With this project, the two countries aim to unlock new economic opportunities with increased commercial exchange and social travel to better connect key urban centers for tourists, in addition to more seamless industrial solutions.