Abu Dhabi's Transport Department has shortlisted six consortiums for the contract to provide consultancy services on the Abu Dhabi Metro project.

The groups have been invited to make presentations during the week starting 19 July.

The winner of the consultancy contract will prepare a feasibility study and outline design for the metro, followed by a detailed design of the network and its stations. The winner will also supervise the construction of the metro.

The shortlisted groups are the Adapt consortium of US-based Aecom, Germany's DB International and US-based Parsons Brinckerhoff; UK-based Atkins with Australia's Bovis Lend Lease; Lebanon's Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners), France's Egis and two Spanish firms, Gestisa and Ineco Tifsa; and a consortium led by UK-based Mott MacDonald with US-based Parsons International and the UK's Halcrow.

The final two groups are the Adim consortium of France's Coteba, Lebanon's Khatib & Alami, and four German firms, Obermeyer, ILF Consulting Engineers, Hamburg Consult and Dornier; and a consortium led by France's Systra with UK-based Arup, Denmark's Cowi, and UK-based Foster & Partners.

The metro is Abu Dhabi's -largest infrastructure project and could cover several hundred kilometres of lines serving Abu Dhabi Island and new developments adjacent to the city.

According to sources bidding for the project, two circular lines are planned. The first will serve Abu Dhabi International airport, Al-Raha beach, Abu Dhabi Island, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

The second will connect Abu Dhabi island, Mussafah and Mohammed bin Zayed City.