We have already talked about rail PPP projects in the Middle East:- Consultants sought for railway network in Oman.- PPP rail project in Jordan. Feasibility report by BNP Paribas readyThis time we want to announce that UBS Investment Bank has been appointed as adviser on the development of a strategic financing plan for the construction and operation of the USD11bn Union Railway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The 1,500 kilometre transport and logistics network will connect the entire UAE as well as provide a link to the rest of the Gulf. Union Railway Company manages the development, construction and operation of the UAE's national railway.The Union Railway covers a network of up to 1,500 km, stretching across all seven Emirates. The railway will connect the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat city in the West and Oman via Al Ain in the East.UPDATE 1. October 2nd.The first phase of the project will be a 270-kilometer freight rail line linking Abu Dhabi's Shah sour gas field to Ruwais on the Persian Gulf coast, to transport granulated sulfur for export.Union Railway will this week open prequalification documents for the main engineering, procurement and construction, or EPC, contract covering that route.