Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national rail network, has suspended the tendering process for Stage Two of the project.

It said that all bidders have been informed in writing of the decision. The company has suspended the current Stage Two tender process while 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, it said.

Stage Two involves the construction of a rail network in Abu Dhabi that will link the Saudi border at Ghweifat and the Omani border at Al Ain, and also 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 authorisations were granted by the Federal Transport Authority in December last year.