UAE rail contracts to be awarded in 2010

Date: 15/10/2009

National rail contracts for the United Arab Emirates will begin being awarded next year.

That is according to Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of the Union Railway, who was speaking at the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED).

According to Gulf News, Mr Al Nowais revealed the plans and added that the country's first operating railway track should be opened by 2013/14.

"The line will be used to transport freight but may also be used to transport passengers," the news provider quotes him as saying.

It has been suggested that more than seven million tonnes of granulated sulphur will be transported by the line annually.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is currently in advanced discussion with Union Railways about the contract.

The UAE is made up of a number of separate emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Ajman.

It is bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia and a large proportion of the country is desert.