The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday awarded an Italian-led consortium a $900 million contract to build the first stage of the Gulf nation's railway network. State-backed railway company Etihad Rail gave the deal to Italy's Saipem S.p.A. and Tecnimont S.p.A., and Dubai-based Dodsal Engineering and Construction PTE Ltd., following a tender process that began late last year. The deal covers the construction of tracks and other infrastructure, including bridges and communication systems, on a freight route linking the western oil and gas hub of Habshan and the industrial port of Ruwais by 2013. The consortium is expected to extend the line deep into the country's desert interior.
