Oman Launches “Masar Hafeet” Programme to Train Young Nationals for Railway Jobs
Oman has launched a new career development initiative to prepare young Omani nationals for employment in the railway and infrastructure sectors. The programme, known as Masar Hafeet, aims to develop skilled local talent and create career opportunities in the country’s expanding railway industry.
The initiative has been introduced by Hafeet Rail, a joint venture involving Oman Rail, Etihad Rail and Mubadala Investment Company. It is being delivered in partnership with Takatuf Petrofac Oman, with support from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
The programme is designed to provide specialised railway training, practical industry experience and internationally recognised qualifications to selected participants.
What Is the Masar Hafeet Training Programme?
Masar Hafeet is a national talent development programme designed to attract, train and prepare young Omanis for specialised positions in the railway and infrastructure industries.
The initiative aims to connect professional training with actual employment requirements. Instead of focusing only on classroom learning, participants will receive theoretical instruction followed by practical, on-the-job training with experienced railway professionals.
Successful participants will complete the training pathway, obtain recognised qualifications and join the Hafeet Rail team.
The programme also supports Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on developing national skills, strengthening the logistics industry and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Seven Railway Career Opportunities Under Masar Hafeet
The Masar Hafeet programme will prepare participants for seven specialised railway positions.
| Railway Job Role | Main Responsibilities |
| Shunter | Supporting train movements and railway yard operations |
| Train Captain | Managing train operations and ensuring safe journeys |
| Train Controller | Monitoring and coordinating train movements |
| Railway Right-of-Way Controller | Overseeing railway corridor operations and safety |
| Permanent Way Technician | Maintaining railway tracks and related infrastructure |
| Rolling Stock Technician | Maintaining railway vehicles and equipment |
| Railway Systems Technician | Supporting railway systems and technical operations |
These specialised positions are important for maintaining safe, reliable and efficient railway services.
How Does the Masar Hafeet Training Process Work?
The programme follows a structured training and development process.
1. Candidate Selection
- Interested candidates go through an assessment and interview process to identify suitable participants.
2. Foundation and Theoretical Training
- Selected participants receive foundational and theoretical training through Takatuf Petrofac Oman.
3. Practical On-the-Job Training
- Participants gain practical experience by working alongside experienced professionals in the railway industry.
4. Qualification and Employment
- After successfully completing the programme, participants receive recognised qualifications and progress towards joining the Hafeet Rail team.
The programme also focuses on developing leadership abilities, professional confidence and workplace safety awareness.
Who Is Behind the Masar Hafeet Initiative?
The programme brings together several organisations to support the development of Oman’s railway workforce.
- Hafeet Rail: Leading the railway talent development initiative.
- Oman Rail: Contributing to Oman’s railway development.
- Etihad Rail: Partnering in the cross-border railway project with the UAE.
- Mubadala Investment Company: Part of the Hafeet Rail joint venture.
- Takatuf Petrofac Oman: Delivering foundational and theoretical training.
- Oman Ministry of Labour: Supporting employment and training initiatives.
- Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology: Supporting the development of the transport and logistics sector.
Hafeet Rail Project: Connecting Oman and the UAE
The Masar Hafeet programme closely connected to the development of the Hafeet Rail network between Oman and the UAE.
The railway network will extend approximately 238 kilometres, connecting the Port of Sohar in Oman with the UAE’s national railway network.
The project expected to support freight transportation and future passenger services between the two countries.
According to the reported project details, the journey between Sohar and Abu Dhabi expected to take approximately 100 minutes.
The railway link is expected to strengthen cross-border trade, improve logistics connectivity and support economic cooperation between Oman and the UAE.
How Will Masar Hafeet Support Oman’s Employment Sector?
The initiative represents an important step towards preparing Omani nationals for specialised careers in an emerging industry.
Some of its expected benefits include:
- Developing technical skills among young Omani nationals.
- Creating pathways towards specialised railway careers.
- Providing practical industry training.
- Supporting internationally recognised qualifications.
- Strengthening local expertise in railway operations and maintenance.
- Supporting the employment and workforce development objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
By connecting training with industry requirements, the programme aims to prepare participants for long-term careers in the railway sector.
Information About Masar Hafeet
| Details | Information |
| Programme Name | Masar Hafeet |
| Country | Oman |
| Industry | Railway and Infrastructure |
| Launched By | Hafeet Rail |
| Training Partner | Takatuf Petrofac Oman |
| Government Support | Oman Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Transport |
| Career Pathways | Seven specialised railway roles |
| Training Method | Theoretical and practical training |
| Qualification | Internationally recognised qualifications |
| Main Objective | Developing Omani railway talent |
| Supporting Vision | Oman Vision 2040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Masar Hafeet in Oman?
- Masar Hafeet, a national talent development programme launched by Hafeet Rail to train young Omani nationals for specialised careers in the railway and infrastructure sectors.
2. Which jobs are available under the Masar Hafeet programme?
- The programme covers seven positions: Shunter, Train Captain, Train Controller, Railway Right-of-Way Controller, Permanent Way Technician, Rolling Stock Technician and Railway Systems Technician.
3. Who provides the training?
- Takatuf Petrofac Oman delivers the foundational and theoretical training in partnership with Hafeet Rail.
4. Will participants receive recognised qualifications?
- Yes. The programme designed to provide internationally recognised qualifications after successful completion.
5. Is Masar Hafeet connected to the Oman-UAE railway project?
- Yes. The initiative aims to prepare Omani talent for careers supporting the Hafeet Rail network, which will connect Oman with the UAE railway network.
6. Can expatriates apply for Masar Hafeet?
- The programme announced by Hafeet Rail specifically designed to develop young Omani nationals. It’s not presented as a general recruitment programme for expatriate workers.
Final Note
The launch of Masar Hafeet highlights Oman’s growing focus on developing local expertise in the railway and logistics industries. Through specialised training, practical experience and employment-linked development, the initiative aims to prepare young Omanis for future opportunities in the country’s expanding transport sector.
For further announcements about programme eligibility, recruitment and future training opportunities, readers should follow updates from Hafeet Rail and the Oman Ministry of Labour.
