'Masar Hafeet' launched to train Omanis in the railway sector

Hafeet Rail, the joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail and Mubadala Investment Company, has launched 'Masar Hafeet', a national talent qualification programme designed to attract, train and prepare young Omanis for promising careers in the railway and infrastructure sectors. 
The programme is delivered in partnership with Takatuf Petrofac Oman, with the support of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

Masar Hafeet will prepare participants for seven specialised roles: Shunter, Train Captain, Train Controller, Railway Right-of-Way Controller, Permanent Way (P-Way) Technician, Rolling Stock Technician and Railway Systems Technician.

The programme follows a structured development pathway, beginning with a selection process involving assessments and interviews, followed by foundational and theoretical training delivered by Takatuf Petrofac Oman. Participants will then progress to practical, on-the-job training alongside experienced industry professionals, before completing the programme, obtaining their qualifications and joining the Hafeet Rail team.

Built around a strong foundation of learning, practical experience and professional development, Masar Hafeet will provide participants with internationally recognised qualifications. Beyond technical competencies, the programme places equal importance on building confidence, leadership capabilities and a strong safety culture, ensuring participants are well prepared to contribute to the railway industry.

The initiative brings together Hafeet Rail, Takatuf Petrofac Oman and government stakeholders a shared commitment to investing in national talent. It supports Oman Vision 2040 by developing a skilled Omani workforce for a new sector and opening sustainable opportunities for young Omanis to contribute to a project of national significance.

H.E. Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said: “Developing Omani national capabilities, enhancing their skills and competencies, and creating new employment opportunities within the logistics sector are among the Ministry’s key priorities. In this regard, we consider Masar Hafeet an important initiative to empower and prepare young Omanis for promising careers in new and emerging fields, while contributing to the development and strengthening of the railway ecosystem. This project will represent a qualitative addition to the Sultanate’s transport and logistics network.”

Abdullah bin Khalfan al Siyabi, Training Programmes Executive at the Ministry of Labour’s Employment and Training Support Centre, said: “The Masar initiative, which adopts a training linked to employment approach, is an effective means of aligning training outcomes with the evolving needs of the labour market. Through this initiative, young Omanis will gain recognised qualifications and a clear pathway towards specialised roles in an emerging national industry. We are pleased to support high-quality programmes in promising sectors that contribute to creating sustainable employment opportunities for the national workforce.”

Naser bin Nasser al Siyabi, General Manager of Takatuf Petrofac Oman, said: “We have been a partner in Masar Hafeet from its initial design, working alongside Hafeet Rail to build the programme around real operational requirements, from the candidate selection criteria now being applied, through the foundational curriculum, to the requirements for international certification. That is the essence of our model: training designed with the operator, not simply for it, and leading directly to employment. This model has proven itself over many years in the energy sector, and today we are carrying it into the railway sector with the same industrial standards and the same discipline in safety culture. We look forward to seeing the Omani talent we are about to set out with on this pathway go on to operate the region’s first cross-border railway network, a direct contribution to the goals of Oman Vision 2040.”

The Hafeet Rail network will extend 238 kilometres, linking the Port of Sohar with the UAE’s national railway network and carrying freight and, in the future, passengers between the two countries. 
The journey between Sohar and Abu Dhabi is expected to take approximately 100 minutes.