Procurement begins for Abu Dhabi light rail transit
7 November 2025
Abu Dhabi Transport Company (ADTC) has asked contractors to express interest in a design-and-build contract covering the construction of the first phase of the light rail transit network.
The project's first phase will span 19 kilometres (km) and include 23 stations, connecting Zayed International airport (AUH) with nearby areas, including Yas Island, Al‑Raha Beach and Khalifa City.
The key sections of the tram are:
AUH to Yas Island: The tram will start from Terminal A at AUH and run through the Yas tunnel to Yas Gateway Park. It will serve areas including Yas Bay, Media Zone, Yas Plaza, Yas Drive, Yas Mall, Sea World and Water Edge.
This section covers 13km and includes 13 at-grade stations and one underground station.
Al-Raha: This section will stretch for 4.3km and run along Al-Raha Street. It will serve areas including Al-Zeina, Al-Muneera and Al-Bandar, towards the Aldar head office. The section will include seven at-grade stations.
Etihad Plaza: This section will pass the Etihad Aviation Training Centre and span about 1.7km. It will feature a main depot near the Etihad Airways headquarters, along with two at-grade stations.
The tender also covers the procurement of 25 trams, each with a capacity of 270 people, along with associated systems.
The project was officially launched at the GlobalRail exhibition in Abu Dhabi in early October.
Referred to as Abu Dhabi Tram Line 4, the project will be delivered in three phases.
Construction of the first phase is expected to start next year. The tram is slated to begin operations by 2030.
Future phases will extend towards Khalifa City and serve additional destinations across Yas Island.
The project forms a key part of the recently announced AED170bn ($46bn) package of national transport and road projects to be implemented by 2030.
The announcement was made by the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, while speaking at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi on 5 November.
Al-Mazrouei said the projects are part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing mobility across the country.
The initiatives include expanding major roads, upgrading public transport, and implementing high-speed and light rail projects.
ADTC was established in 2023 to implement, operate and develop transport systems in rural and urban areas across the emirate.
The company is responsible for developing rail systems and related services and operations, and providing integrated transport services, including vehicle and bus rental.
ADTC was established by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
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Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the November 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
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> AGENDA 1: Gulf LNG sector enters a new prolific phase
> INDUSTRY REPORT 1: Region sees evolving project finance demand
> INDUSTRY REPORT 2: Iraq leads non-GCC project finance activity
> GREEN STEEL: Abu Dhabi takes the lead in green steel transition
> DIGITISATION: Riyadh-based organisation drives digital growth
> UAE MARKET FOCUS: Investment shapes UAE growth story
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Dubai seeks consultants for drainage projects6 February 2026
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Modon tenders Ras El-Hekma construction contracts6 February 2026
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Egypt contractor secures €58m loan for Hungary power plant6 February 2026
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AD Ports signs Jordan Aqaba port PPP deal6 February 2026
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Chinese firm wins Ceer automotive supplier park deal6 February 2026
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The request for qualifications (RFQs) was issued by the municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department (SRPD).
The bid submission deadline is 26 February.
The first scheme under the package is TF-16-C1, which involves upgrading and rehabilitating the stormwater system east of the Dubai Canal.
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Modon tenders Ras El-Hekma construction contracts
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Abu Dhabi-based developer Modon Holding has tendered several contracts as part of the first phase of development at Ras El-Hekma, a planned new city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
MEED understands that the tenders were issued in January.
These include:
DP3 assets: covering 146 residential villas, 590 three-bedroom townhouses, 356 four-bedroom townhouses, a mall and other associated works.
Bids due on 23 February.
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Modon has accelerated development works at Ras El-Hekma this year. In January, MEED reported that Modon Holding had awarded a E£15bn ($316m) contract for the construction of a project at Ras El-Hekma.
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The announcement followed AD Ports Group’s signing of a shareholders’ agreement in January 2024 between its digital arm, Maqta Gateway, and Jordan’s Aqaba Development Corporation regarding their existing joint-venture company, Maqta Ayla.
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Chinese firm wins Ceer automotive supplier park deal
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Beijing-headquartered Metallurgical Construction Corporation (MCC) has won a contract to undertake the steel structure works on the Ceer automotive supplier park in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
The supplier park is located next to Ceer’s electric vehicle (EV) production facility in KAEC.
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