Currently Oman Rail intends to link Buraimi on the UAE border with Sohar, as part of the proposed Gulf Railway.
Diesel locomotives will run on the line initially, but the plans will provide an option for future electrification.
Future plans include extending the network beyond Al Dhahirah, traversing vast expanses of desert in central Oman via Ghabah to Haima, with a southward branch to Al Duqm (and later to Mazyounah on the Yemeni border), and with another branch to Salalah.
The final phase of the rail network envisions a south–north line Amal via Al Duqm to Muscat and Sohar.
[4] Nabil Al Bimani, Group Chief, Ports and Free Zones at Asyad Groups, stated that the first railway line in Oman would be a cargo line connecting Mangi Al-Shuwaimeh and Al-Duqm linking metal production fields with manufacturers and export sites.