Procurement FAQs

Frequently asked Procurement questions.

How can I register as a supplier / contractor / consultant with Etihad Rail?

Go to www.etihadrail.ae and click on the Procurement tab. Please note that registration via Ariba online platform is for information purposes only, and those parties interested in a particular proposal or contract will still have to respond to the specific tender invitation in order to be considered.

What procedure do we need to follow in order to be registered as a qualified supplier / contractor / consultant?

The pre-qualification procedure for contractors, consultants and suppliers is different for each contract tendered. The registration process is simply to express your interest and become eligible to receive information.

How do I make a request to add my organisation to Etihad Rail's contractor database?

Please register your details here Procurement.

How can I find out whether my range of products or services is suitable to be procured by Etihad Rail?

Etihad Rail provides information on all of its ongoing projects and the types of services and goods procured on their website. However, companies interested in doing business with Etihad Rail have to conduct their own market research to find potential business opportunities for the range of products or services that they offer.

What are the methods of procurement?

All procurement is carried out using a combination of best local and international practices, while adhering to local laws and guidelines. Methods vary depending on the circumstances, from limited procurement to a public invitation in the media and/or via the Etihad Rail website.

Is there information on requests for tenders/proposals?

Information regarding public invitations can be found on the Etihad Rail website and, where appropriate, in local and international media as well.

Are Etihad Rail purchases tax/duty/custom free?

Etihad Rail does not provide customs/tax exemptions that may be available to other industries.

How can I introduce my products/services to Etihad Rail?

You may introduce your products or services by first ensuring that you are registered via the Ariba online platform, and then by responding to the relevant invitations advertised in the media.

I will be on a business trip to the UAE and would like to meet procurement representatives from Etihad Rail. Is that possible?

Etihad Rail only meets contractors, consultants, or vendors when a need arises and not upon request. Operational and policy constraints restrict such meetings.

How does Etihad Rail pay suppliers?

Etihad Rail does not issue Letters of Credit as it is a wholly-owned government company. Payment therefore, follows the usual terms applied throughout the UAE. A performance bond guarantee may be required for larger value contracts, and is usually set at 10% of the awarded contract price

How does Etihad Rail pay suppliers? As a non-UAE based company, would I benefit from appointing a local company or agent to act on my behalf?

For carrying out business in the UAE, companies are obliged to follow UAE Commercial Law, also known as Business Law which requires local sponsorship.

Who is the contact person?

The contact person will be whomsoever is specified in the ITT/RFP. It is very important during the tender process that no other form of contact regarding the tender is made with Etihad Rail.

What are the terms and conditions of tenders?

All contracts are subject to the laws of the UAE and otherwise follow the standard terms and conditions that apply throughout the region.

Can Etihad Rail tell me who my potential competitors or partners are?

Etihad Rail considers the tendering process strictly confidential and does not publish or otherwise disclose lists of pre-qualified or short listed tenderers.

What are Etihad Rail's views on fraud and corruption?

Etihad Rail is completely opposed to all types of fraud and corruption and any attempt to gain an improper advantage will be dealt with most severely under penalty of law.

Can I submit tenders by e-mail or fax following an open/restricted procedure?

Tenders must be submitted in strict accordance with the tender instructions as published. Any deviation from these instructions will void the tender.

Will I be informed why my offer was not successful?

It is Etihad Rail’s policy to debrief bidders on the outcomes of their own tender submission but without any reference to other bidders’ submissions

Do I need to strictly follow the rules outlined in the notice concerning the presentation of proposals by tenders?

Yes, it is essential to read and follow the instructions in all the documents constituting the request for tenders, including presentations. If anything is unclear, or if you have any questions, please contact Etihad Rail Procurement Department, the details of which are located in the Request for Proposals (RFP) documentation.

Is it possible for more than one person in the company to receive notification of the launch of an RFP?

Only one person per tenderer can receive the invitation. If this poses a problem, you could create a unique generic e-mail address for correspondence to which a number of personnel can have access.

If a contact person leaves our company, what should I do?

Your company is solely responsible for adding, editing or removing contact details. You should update the information provided at the time of your registration or at tender stage.

How long after the Invitation to Tender (ITT) deadline do you make a decision over which organisation to award the contract to?

An indicative schedule for awards is normally included within the ITT/RFP. Etihad Rail does not provide information on progress during the evaluation process. If any delays or extensions to the tender review process take place, notifications will be sent to interested parties.

Can you tell me who the successful organisation was and the cost of their tender submission?

For major contracts, this information is usually published in the media and/or on the Etihad Rail website. For smaller value contracts, the information is not normally disclosed.

Can I only provide an electronic copy of my tender proposal?

You should read the particular ITT/RFP, which will specify how a tender is to be submitted and the instructions must be followed exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Notice to Etihad Rail self-registrants