DUBAI - Abu Dhabi's department of energy has postponed the announcement of the winning bids for developing a 1.5 gigawatt (GW) solar power plant in the Al Dhafra region, state news agency WAM reported late on Wednesday.

A meeting originally scheduled for March 18 to open the final bids for developing the plant was postponed, WAM reported citing Awaidha Murshed al-Marar, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.

The decision was taken in light of rules barring large group meetings due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, WAM reported.

"We are also monitoring the impact of the current situation on global economies, energy prices be it oil or renewable energy sources, and the availability of imported products and equipment essential to continuing our solar and nuclear projects," Marar was quoted as saying.

The department of energy will continue to ensure continued supply of safe, reliable water, wastewater and electricity services, WAM reported.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has taken several measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including halting international flights, closing mosques, schools, malls, commercial centres and restaurants and urging people to stay at home.

(Reporting by Dahlia Nehme; editing by Rania El Gamal and Jason Neely) ((dahlia.nehme@thomsonreuters.com;))