● $20 billion of transport projects forecast to be awarded during 2014
● Rail sector accounts for 60 % of transport projects to be awarded in 2014
● The total value of transport project awards in 2014 will be the highest since 2011
● $4 billion of transport contracts to be completed during 2014

Dubai, UAE; 19 March 2014: MEED Projects has revealed that more than $20 billion worth of transport projects will be awarded during 2014. The rail sector will account for more than 60% of the value of projects awarded even though it is only 14% of the number of contracts up for grabs this year.

According to MEED Projects, the biggest share of transport projects due to be awarded in 2014, will be awarded in the UAE. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi will likely see 31 projects awarded with a total budget approaching $14 billion.  Dubai, in second place, has 13 projects with a total budget in excess of $2 billion.

Julian Herbert, Director of MEED Projects said “As a result of heavy investment in the construction sector during the boom years of the previous decade, the UAE is in a favourable position where it can secure resources at very competitive market rates compared to its GCC neighbours.”  MEED Cost Indices recently published an online report to its customers indicating that the UAE currently pays less for materials such as cement, concrete and rebar than its GCC neighbours. “With ample capacity and low cost resources, the UAE is in an ideal position to invest in its transport infrastructure” Herbert said.

Some of the major awards expected during 2014 are phase 2 of Etihad Rail; the remaining sections of the Mafraq to Ghuweifat Highway; Infrastructure works on the Capital District in Abu Dhabi; and infrastructure and new terminal work at the Maktoum International Airport.

In 2013 the Ghantoot Group walked away with most of the work in the transport sector followed by Al Jaber LEGT Engineering & Contracting and Larsen & Toubro.

During 2014 almost $5 billion of contracts will be completed and handed over to their respective clients. Abu Dhabi has just over $2 billion of contracts due to be completed which includes Lots 1 and 2 of Shamkha South Infrastructure Works with a combined contract value in excess of $1 billion.  Dubai has $2.2 billion of contracts due to be completed this year which includes the Al Sufouh tram project, the RTA’s Parallel Roads Scheme 4, Emirates’ SkyCargo terminal at Maktoum International Airport and the Terminal 2 Expansion project at Dubai International Airport.