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Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU) is preparing to award the contract to build infrastructure for the tramway at the Al-Ula development.

MEED understands that bid evaluation has reached advanced stages and the contract award is imminent.

Contractors submitted revised bids for the scheme in August, as MEED reported.

It is understood that consortiums were asked to propose self-funded financing arrangements for the project.

The first phase of the tram scheme is a 22.4-kilometre-long line with 17 stations, operated by 20 trams. It will link Al-Ula International airport to five of the area’s historical regions.

The scope of work includes the design and construction of a tram depot, tram tracks, technical buildings, station buildings and other associated infrastructure.

In June, MEED exclusively reported that the RCU had asked firms to submit their final offers for a contract to build tramway infrastructure at the Al-Ula development.

The RCU issued a request for proposals in June last year and received commercial bids for the project on 10 November.

France’s Systra is the consultant.

In October 2023, the RCU announced that France’s Alstom will supply rolling stock and systems for the Al-Ula tram scheme.

The RCU unveiled an investment plan worth SR57bn ($15bn) to regenerate Al-Ula in April 2021. About $3.2bn has been allocated for infrastructure development, including the tram and renewable power generation.