Siemens Mobility, in collaboration with consortium partner Hassan Allam Construction, announced that it has been awarded the Abu Dhabi – Sohar Design and Build Railway Systems and Integration contract by Oman – Etihad Rail, Invest-Gate reports.

Oman – Etihad Rail is a joint venture co-owned by the two countries, responsible for delivering this network. Siemens Mobility and Hassan Allam Construction will be responsible for the design, construction, and integration of the ETCS Level 2 signaling, telecom, and power supply systems along the 303-kilometer-long Abu Dhabi – Sohar railway link.

This project represents the first-ever cross-country railway network in the Middle East and the Arab world.

Andre Rodenbeck, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, stated, “Siemens Mobility, as a global market leader and pioneer in signaling and railway automation technology with over 150 years of experience, is proud to provide its latest intelligent technology solutions and continuous support to the ambitions and vision of the UAE and Oman.”

Ayman Ashour, CEO of Siemens Mobility in the UAE, expressed, “We are deeply honored and proud to have been entrusted with this strategic project by Oman – Etihad Rail. This project will not only contribute to the social and economic progress of both countries but will also be a groundbreaking endeavor for the entire region.”

Hassan Allam, Chairman of Hassan Allam Construction, commented, “We take pride in joining forces with Siemens Mobility to deliver advanced signaling solutions that will ensure the safe and seamless transportation of passengers and goods between the UAE and Oman.”

As part of a vision to connect the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations through a Rail Network, this project will integrate with the current and proposed Regional GCC railway network. The UAE-Oman Railway network “Hafeet Rail” will link the port of Sohar in Oman to the UAE National Railway network at Abu Dhabi, which connects all seven emirates of the UAE up to the border of Saudi Arabia.