The tender for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, announced by Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum last November, is the scene of fierce competition between international construction giants. The new 30-kilometer line aims to strengthen Dubai’s transportation infrastructure from north to south with 14 stations. In the tender process that has been ongoing since October, the lowest figure after the final bids came from a consortium led by Turkish companies.
Blue Line Project and Its Goals
The Dubai Metro Blue Line stands out as an important part of the city’s vision to expand and modernize its transportation network. The new line will connect key areas such as Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, Silicon Oasis and Academic City. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2029 and will have a daily capacity of 200 passengers. This will reduce traffic congestion and increase the efficiency of public transportation in Dubai, where both touristic and commercial activities are intense.
Latest Situation in the Tender Process
The tender process, conducted by open auction method in the Netherlands, brought international construction giants face to face. The process, which started in October, was renewed on November 7, November 14, November 21 and December 3. The competition turned into a tough struggle blending price advantages and technological innovations.
Following the final bids, the lowest figure came from a consortium formed by Turkish firms Limak and Mapa with China-based China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation. The $5,6 billion bid is seen as the candidate most likely to undertake the project. In second place is the partnership of China State Construction Engineering Corporation and France’s Alstom with a $5,9 billion bid. In third place is the consortium formed by India’s Larsen & Toubro with China’s Power Construction Corporation and Hitachi.
Turkish Companies in the Forefront
Following the final bids, Turkish construction companies Limak and Mapa attracted attention by submitting the lowest bid together with their Chinese partners. The interest of Turkish companies in the project once again demonstrates that Turkey is a rising player in Dubai’s massive infrastructure projects. Limak and Mapa’s experience in large-scale projects in the past, in particular, allowed them to stand out in this tender.
What Will Be The Result?
The winner of the Dubai Metro Blue Line tender will be announced in the coming weeks. This project, which will contribute to Dubai’s modernization drive under the leadership of Sheikh Al Maktoum, offers great prestige and economic opportunities for the winning company. This process, in which Turkish companies stand out, once again proves Turkey’s power in the international construction sector.
The new line of the Dubai Metro looks set to inspire not only Dubai but also other countries in the region to create modern transportation infrastructure.
