In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Municipality has invited companies to submit their request for prequalification (RFQ) for the design and construction of the 70km Dubai Light Rail Project (DLRP) of which 30% is underground in the form of 9.6m diameter tunnels, including two creek crossings by 1 June (T&TI, April p7). The strategy for the US$3.9bn construction contract has been decided and the client wishes to procure the project on a turnkey basis in a single contract. Under the terms of the RFQ the applicants have to demonstrate financing for the project and the successful contractors will be required to set up a consortia with the rail system suppliers.
