Al Buraimi is positioned as a strategic hub with the new Sohar-Abu Dhabi railway
The Sultanate of Oman is undergoing an economic and social renaissance under its ambitious Vision 2024 agenda. In this sense, the Governorate of Al Buraimi is consolidating itself as one of the key pieces of this initiative. The railway project with the United Arab Emirates, specifically the railway connecting Sohar, Al Buraimi and Abu Dhabi, is a milestone in the country's strategic projects, reinforcing the Gulf's integration in commercial and economic terms.
The start of work on the railway has generated great expectation in the region. In the words of Anwar bin Zahid Al-Gharibi, head of the media department of the Office of the Governor of Al Buraimi, this project will not only facilitate the transport of goods between Oman and the United Arab Emirates, but will also allow for more agile mobility of people between the two countries. With a journey time reduced to just over an hour, this project will contribute to strengthening bilateral ties and improve connectivity between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The president of the Al Buraimi Chamber of Commerce, Zaher bin Mohammed Al Kaabi, also emphasises the economic impact that this new infrastructure will have. According to Al Kaabi, the rail link will be a qualitative change in the logistics sector, favouring industrial and economic sectors and providing great commercial opportunities for the private sector. This improvement in infrastructure is shaping up to be an engine to stimulate economic activity and promote sustainable growth in the region.
But the importance of the railway project is not limited to the economic sphere. Al Buraimi has become a tourist gateway to Oman, and this new corridor will further facilitate access to this governorate, rich in natural and cultural heritage. Local authorities are developing projects that align their efforts with Vision Oman 2050, focusing on improving infrastructure and boosting the tourism sector. The creation of spaces such as the Al Buraimi Oasis Project and the artificial lake, together with other tourist and recreational developments, will help to put the governorate on the map of distinguished tourist destinations.
Al Buraimi is not only benefiting from this ambitious railway project, but is also experiencing a boom in the implementation of development projects in various areas. Since 2021, 58 projects have been launched to improve the infrastructure and quality of life of its inhabitants. These projects include the modernisation of the road network, the construction of dams and the development of parks and recreational areas.
In addition, Al Buraimi has become an attractive destination for investment. The industrial city of Al Buraimi, affiliated with the Public Industrial Estates Establishment (Madayn), offers incentive packages and facilities to attract investors, such as tax exemptions and tariff reductions for new projects. The strategic location of the governorate, which connects Oman with the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, also adds value, as it allows companies to access key markets without having to pay additional taxes.
The implementation of these projects is part of a broader effort to fulfil the Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the country's economy, promote sustainability and improve the standard of living of citizens. With the boost in infrastructure and the attraction of investment, Al Buraimi is emerging as a driver of development for the region, contributing significantly to the economic and tourism transformation of the Sultanate.
Against this backdrop, the Al Buraimi governorate is not only making progress in its development, but also positioning itself as a key player in the economic and commercial integration of the Gulf region.
