UAE’s Etihad Rail suspends stage two tenders
‘Timing and delivery’ of phase is under review
Etihad Rail says it has suspended the tender process for stage two of the UAE’s national network, pending a review of the project.
All bidders have today been informed in writing, according to the UAE state news agency WAM.
The phase of works involves the construction of a rail network in Abu Dhabi connecting to the Saudi border at Ghweifat and the Omani border at Al Ain, as well as areas including Mussaffah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
The suspension in tenders comes as Etihad Rail “reviews the most appropriate options for the timing and delivery of this phase of the project,” WAM reported.
Nasser Alsowaidi, Chairman of Etihad Rail, said: “Etihad Rail is one of the biggest and most complex infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UAE. As we enter 2016, we have been working closely with our partners and stakeholders to assess our strategic priorities for the year. As a result, a decision has been taken to suspend the tendering process for Stage Two whilst we review the most appropriate timing for this investment.”
The UAE railway developer and operator has already commenced commercial operations on stage one of the network, which links Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais.
It has already transported four million tonnes of sulphur for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Once stage one reaches full commercial capacity, Etihad Rail plans to transport more than seven million tonnes of sulphur every year.
This suspension of the tender will have no impact on the stage one operations, WAM reported.
