01 April 2018

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national rail network, is set to issue construction tenders for the second phase of the nation-wide railway network, which will run 628 km, connecting the country’s sea ports and Phase One of the project, said a top official.

The second phase of the project will connect the railway to Mussafah, to Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, and to the Saudi and Omani borders.

“Etihad Rail is looking to appoint project managers for this phase,” revealed Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE’s Minister of Infrastructure Development and chairman of the Federal Transport Authority-Land and Maritime, at a press conference in Dubai.

In order to fast-track the project, the UAE cabinet has approved a new federal rail law, stated the minister.

On completion, the 1,200-km UAE national railway is set to link all seven emirates and will form a vital part of the planned GCC Railway Network which will connect the region’s six GCC countries, linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia in the west and Oman in the east.

Dr Al Nuaimi said currently, Stage One of Etihad Rail, which started commercial operations in 2015, transports granulated sulphur from Shah and Habshan to port of Ruwais over a distance of 264 km.

Meanwhile, procurement had begun for Stage Two. However, in January 2016, the company had “suspended the tendering process for Stage 2 of the project, while it reviews the most appropriate options for the timing and delivery of this phase”.

• Aldar, Emaar in $8.17bn alliance
• $1.6bn Bluewaters Island project progressing well
• Green light for Al Fahid Island construction
• Tenders soon for UAE rail
• Continental launches homes at Dubailand
• Dubai Properties unveils Marasi Marina
• Arabtec to build Show Village
• Dewa awards $585m desal, power contracts
• EMC Daimler to supply trucks to Khalfest
• Dubai starts work on fourth phase of solar park
• In Brief
• Contractor appointed for Marasi landmark
• Seven Tides seals $3.2bn villas deal
• Volvo Trucks drives enhanced safety into UAE

Tags

Dubai GC Expo Flooring & Carpets Loaders Air-Conditioning Just Out Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Diary of Events Legally Bound Contractors Real Estate Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.