A new £2.3billion train route will connect one of the Middle East’s most spectacular cities to the coast.
The region is becoming increasingly popular with British tourists thanks to its rapid development in recent years.
This looks set to continue as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman are to be linked by a new train line.
Connecting the city of Abu Dhabi with Sohar Port in northern Oman, the new route will be built by Etihad Rail and Oman Rail.
The service will also stop at Al Ain, an inland Oasis in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi has a population of just under 4million, while Al Ain has 850,000 people living there Sohar’s 140,000 people means that the service will connect a combined population of 5million.
The train route will be 188 miles long, but the train will only take 100 minutes travel the full length.
Both passenger and freight trains will use the new route.
CEO of Etihad Rail, Shadi Malak, described the train line as a “new chapter of collaboration and prosperity between both countries.”
Etihad Rail and Oman Rail have not yet announced an expected completion date.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have attracted millions of tourists to the UAE in recent years.
Abu Dhabi received nearly 24 million visitors last year. The city also saw a 27% increase in hotel guests and a 54% increase in international visitors.
Sport has also played a major role in the city’s appeal. Since 2009, the Yas Marina Circuit has hosted a Formula 1 race every year.
