The network will consist of a 6-kilometre dual-line system with 11 stations, which will be served by six two-car trains. The first section will be operational in 12 to 18 months.

India’s Sundaram Architects is the consultant for the civil works.

The project consists of one of the region’s largest shopping malls, the Mall of Arabia, a series of residential towers and a low-rise residential development.

The local Dhabi Contracting is working on the main structure package for the estimated $817m Mall of Arabia contract.