By Haseeb Haider  www.khaleetimes.com
Abu Dhabi has suspended the tendering process for the Stage two of the Etihad Rail project after assessing strategic priorities.
“All bidders have today been informed in writing,” the developer and operator of the UAE’s national rail network confirmed Tuesday.
Stage Two involves the construction of the rail network in the Abu Dhabi Emirate by connecting to the Saudi border at Ghweifat and the Omani border at Al Ain, and by connecting vital areas such as Mussaffah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
Etihad Rail commenced commercial operations on Stage One of the rail network, which links Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais, after official safety authorizations were granted by the Federal Transport Authority in December 2015.
To date, Etihad Rail has transported four million tonnes of Sulphur from Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Once Stage One reaches full commercial capacity, Etihad Rail will transport more than seven million tonnes of Sulphur every year.
The company has suspended the current Stage Two tender process whilst it reviews the most appropriate options for the timing and delivery of this phase of the project. This decision will have no impact on Stage One operations. More info
