Following a peak in construction of high-speed lines during the last few years, the global market for high-speed trains is expected to settle at a lower but stable level by 2017.

OMAN's minister of transport and communications, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, this week confirmed that a tender for prequalification of contractors for design and build, and systems packages for Oman's national railway project will be issued this month.

ETIHAD Rail expects operations to begin on its inaugural UAE railway project, the 266km line from Shan and Habshan to Ruwais, by the end of the year with construction almost complete and testing now underway.

DYNAMIC testing began on Dubai's first light rail line on January 26, when an Alstom Citadis 402 LRV ran over part of the initial 2.5km test section of the Al Sufouh Tramway.

PREQUALIFICATION is underway for contracts to build two new metro lines totalling 44km in the Saudi Arabian holy city of Mecca.

TEL AVIV Metropolitan Mass Transit System (NTA) announced on January 13 that four international consortia have prequalified for the railway systems contract for the city's planned 22km light rail Red Line from Petakh-Tikva to Bat Yam.

ISREAL's prime minister Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, together with transport minister Mr Yisrael Katz and Israel Railways' general manager Mr Boaz Zafrir, opened an extension of the Tel Aviv - Ashkelon line south to Shderot on December 25.

THE first of 11 Citadis 402 low-floor LRVs for Dubai's Al Sufouh Tramway arrived in the United Arab Emirates through the port of Jebel Ali last week, and has been delivered to the line's depot in readiness for the start of testing.

SAUDI Railways Organisation (SRO) has awarded a contract to DB International to review safety standards on the railway and prepare safety guidelines and manuals relating to the operation and maintenance of rolling stock and track as well as the working environment and staff training.

SAUDI Railways Organisation (SRO) has awarded a contract worth around $US 67m to FreightCar America to supply 500 freight wagons.