Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is inviting local and international firms to submit expressions of interest (EOI) by 18 November for a water transport system to be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.

The project involves the development of stations and operation of water buses along the coastline of Dubai, with the possibility of the scheme being expanded to include neighbouring emirates Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

The project involves the development of stations and operation of water buses

A list of prequalified bidders should be in place by the end of November 2010 and the request for proposals (RFP) issued before the end of the year.

The project will be the first PPP in Dubai and involves the transfer of ownership of about 29 water buses to the private sector, which will then operate them as a public transport system. The water buses are due to be delivered to the RTA in October.

US-headquartered Deloitte was awarded the advisory contract for the project in late September (MEED 3:10:10). Other members of the consortium include Australia’s WorleyParsons and DLA Piper of the UK.

Dubai is also currently drafting a PPP law to govern the RTA scheme and projects are also being planned by Dubai Electrcity & Water Authority (Dewa) and the Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms).