Dubai Airport Express design tender reaches reported lowest-bidder stage

Dubai’s planned Airport Express metro link has reached the lowest-bidder stage for its study and design contract, according to a MEED report published on 9 October 2026.

The proposed 55km line would connect Dubai International Airport in Garhoud with Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is procuring the study and design work.

The latest report follows the earlier receipt of six design proposals. It concerns the consultancy procurement rather than an award for construction of the railway. The publicly accessible report does not identify the lowest bidder or disclose a bid price.

RTA director-general Mattar Al Tayer told Gulf News in September that the project study would take at least a year and would be coordinated with Dubai Airports. Confirmation of the selected consultant and the subsequent delivery programme remain the next milestones to watch.

Sources: MEED, 9 October 2026; MEED, 20 April 2026; Gulf News, 14 September 2026.