The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has tendered 92 per cent of retail outlets and ATM sites in Dubai Metro's Red and Green Line stations.

RTA has received bids that are higher by three times than the minimum bidding rates on the tenders, that show investors' trust on the city's economy and investment chances.

"The success of the tender exercise for the retail station outlets of the Dubai Metro shows the success of the project. It reflects the public's confidence in the Metro and the positive impact that it will create in their daily lives," said Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim, CEO of RTA Strategy and Corporate Governance.

He said the tender process for the station outlets started in the last quarter of 2008 with more than 500 tender purchasers for locations in the retail station outlets. There were six core trades that were tendered to the public, namely general retail and services, food and beverage takeaway, food and beverage with seating, convenience store, property showroom and bank and ATM sites.

"RTA welcomes the successful bidders to come on board the Dubai Metro project. We look forward to a partnership with them in strengthening their brands and growing with them as we make our mark in history as the first urban rail system in this region," said Abdul Mohsen.

The successful bidders will operate the retail shops across 29 stations of the Red Line and 18 stations of the Green Line providing service and convenience to passengers using the Metro.

As the first batch of retail operators has been announced, RTA is currently working on the final phase of leasing with the limited units available for tender in the coming days.

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