MUSCAT: Oman’s formidable drive to overtake its transport sector is gaining tempo, with work progressing on two landmark tasks—the Muscat Metro community and the Hafeet Rail hyperlink connecting Oman and the UAE. These initiatives, central to the Sultanate’s long-term mobility targets, have been a key focus of discussions throughout the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day held in Muscat on Tuesday.
As a part of Oman Imaginative and prescient 2040 and the Transport and Logistics Technique (2021–2025), the Sultanate has dedicated greater than US$4 billion lately to modernise its infrastructure—remodeling the best way individuals and items transfer throughout the nation.
The Muscat Metro mission, now within the feasibility stage, proposes a 50-kilometre community with 36 stations throughout the capital. As soon as operational, it can change into Oman’s first city rail system, considerably easing congestion within the capital whereas selling extra sustainable modes of journey.
Designed to assist Muscat’s rising inhabitants and increasing cityscape, the metro is envisioned as a spine of the town’s future transport ecosystem—linking key residential, business, and transit hubs.
Additionally shifting ahead is the Hafeet Rail Venture, a cross-border railway that can join Oman with the United Arab Emirates. The road is anticipated to streamline the stream of each freight and passengers between financial zones within the two international locations, enhancing commerce and regional integration.
Each tasks are being developed with a robust concentrate on sustainability, multimodal connectivity, and alignment with the broader logistics and financial targets of the Sultanate. In parallel with rail infrastructure, Oman is working to modernise its public transport programs by the introduction of electrical buses, improved service integration, and upgraded transit infrastructure—key components within the shift towards greener mobility options.
French experience helps Oman’s imaginative and prescient
Whereas the main target stays firmly on Oman’s strategic targets, the occasion additionally underscored the worth of worldwide partnerships. Organised by Enterprise France with the assist of the French Embassy in Oman, the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day introduced collectively key Omani establishments together with Mwasalat, ASYAD, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce, alongside 13 French firms providing options in railway engineering, city mobility, security programs, and digital infrastructure.
The occasion was inaugurated by Luciano Rispoli, deputy head of mission on the French Embassy to the Sultanate of Oman, and highlighted the deepening cooperation between the 2 nations and their shared dedication to constructing a sustainable mobility roadmap for the area.
Amongst them, Dassault Systèmes introduced simulation instruments that assist metro and rail system optimisation. VINCI Development Grands Projets and RATP Dev shared experience in large-scale mission execution and public transit operations, whereas others akin to Apave, Codra, OXYSIGN, and Saarstahl Rail showcased applied sciences for upkeep, signage, and security.
As Oman presses forward with its rail and mobility priorities, the Muscat Metro and Hafeet Rail tasks stand out as cornerstones of a better, cleaner transport future. With planning and technical groundwork already in movement, and with the backing of specialized worldwide companions, these initiatives mirror Oman’s severe intent to change into a frontrunner in sustainable mobility and regional connectivity.
