Oman-Etihad Rail invites applicants for freight facilities works; 7 facts about the JV

Etihad Rail Company and Oman Rail, the developer, and operator of the railway network connecting the two countries have invited applicants for the prequalification for tendering of freight facilities, depot, and passenger stations of the project.

As per the notice, the potential contractors must demonstrate individually or in a Joint Venture (JV)/consortium that they have the necessary resources and required expertise to meet the requirements.

The joint venture has already launched a prequalification tender for civil works on the new railway.  Oman-Etihad Rail has also signed a cooperation agreement with Mubadala Investment to support the development of the 303km network.

Requirements

The applicants must be a local company or a JV/consortium led by a local company registered in Oman or UAE as applicable to deliver the package(s) in the relevant country.

They must have recent experience executing projects of a similar size, or nature (rail freight facilities, rail passenger stations, and rail maintenance depots).

They must prove their experience including on-time completion to the required quality, construction in a railway environment, and design and build experience.

The pre-qualification documents will be available for purchase and download through an e-Payment Services Gateway from August 10 until August 27.

Oman-Etihad rail project

The GCC railway project will include a line connecting Oman’s Suhar to UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The project aims to facilitate passenger and freight movement, create job opportunities for professionals in both countries, and foster sustainable development and stronger ties through the development and operation of a safe, secure, and efficient railway network connecting Oman and the UAE.

Quick facts

1. The rail link was first announced in September 2022.
2. The primary aim of the massive infrastructure project is to bolster trade and tourism opportunities between the UAE and Oman along with the rest of the region.
3. The network between the two countries is being developed through a joint venture called OMAN-Etihad Rail, which is estimated at $3bn.
4. The regional rail line will serve both passenger and freight trains.
5. The connecting network will span 303-km with the freight trains designed to run at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour.
6. Meanwhile, the passenger trains are designed to reduce travel time from Suhar to Abu Dhabi to 1 hour 40 minutes, and from Suhar to Al Ain to 47 minutes, travelling at a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour.
7. While Etihad Rail has not revealed the date for the launch of passenger services, the network will carry an estimated “36.5 million passengers by 2030” as per the company.

Watch

Etihad Rail links major trade hubs in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, through an extensive network of numerous depots and 593 bridges and crossings. The project will facilitate freight and passenger transport, supporting further social and economic development in the UAE. pic.twitter.com/aEpKjWlTXn

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 13, 2023