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  • Local firm wins key road intersection deal in Dubai

    Administrator

    16 December 2025

     

    Dubai-based firm DBB Contracting has won a contract from Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) for the development of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan Street intersection with Al-Awir Road and Al-Manama Street.

    The scope includes the construction of 2.3 kilometres (km) of bridges, lane expansion, and the provision of entrances and exits serving the surrounding areas.

    The project will increase the street’s capacity from 5,200 vehicles to 14,400 vehicles per hour in each direction.

    It will reduce travel time from 20 minutes to five minutes.

    The project will serve areas with a combined population of over 600,000 residents and visitors.

    The mobilisation works are ongoing. The project is slated for completion by 2028.

    Planning for growth

    In March 2021, the government launched the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Its launch referenced studies indicating that the emirate’s population will reach 5.8 million by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020. The daytime population is set to increase from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040.

    In December 2022, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the 20-Minute City Policy as part of the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. 

    In addition to the road projects, the RTA’s Dubai Metro Blue Line extension forms part of Dubai’s plans to improve residents’ quality of life by cutting journey times, as outlined in the policy.

    The policy aims to ensure that residents can meet 80% of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. This goal will be achieved by developing integrated service centres with all necessary facilities and by increasing population density around mass transit stations.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15251261/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Spetco completes clarification process for Kuwait oil contract

    Administrator

    16 December 2025

     

    Local contractor Spetco International has completed the clarification process with state-owned upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) for a contract to develop the planned Mutriba remote boosting facility in Kuwait.

    In October, Ahmadi-based Spetco submitted the lowest bid for the contract, valued at KD88.2m ($288.7m).

    KOC tendered the project earlier this year and set a bid submission deadline of 29 June. The deadline was extended several times before three Kuwait-based companies submitted bids.

    The full list of the bids submitted was:

    • Spetco International – KD88,209,236 ($288.7m)
    • Combined Group Contracting – KD123,000,000 ($402.5m)
    • Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting – KD129,450,000 ($423.7m)

    One source said: “The large price gap between the lowest bid and the other bids that were submitted meant that KOC sought to revalidate the quote form Spetco and ensure that the company was conforming to the tender requirements and specifications.”

    The project uses the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) contract model.

    The project’s scope includes:

    • Development of the Mutriba oil field
    • Installation of the degassing station
    • Installation of manifolds
    • Installation of condensate facilities
    • Installation of wellhead separation units
    • Installation of the pumping system
    • Installation of wellhead facilities
    • Installation of oil and gas treatment plants
    • Installation of a natural gas liquids plant
    • Installation of a water and gas injection plant
    • Construction of associated utilities and facilities

    The onshore Mutriba oil field is located in northwest Kuwait and is being developed as part of Kuwait’s broader strategy to expand its upstream capacity.

    Commercial output from Mutriba officially began on 15 June this year, after several wells were connected to KOC’s production facilities.

    The field, in a previously undeveloped part of Kuwait, covers more than 230 square kilometres and lies outside the area of fields already operated by KOC.

    In September, Kuwait’s Oil Minister Tareq Al‑Roumi said that the country’s oil production capacity had reached 3.2 million barrels a day (b/d), its highest level in more than 10 years.

    Despite the higher capacity, Kuwait says it will continue to abide by Opec+ agreements and will produce 2.559 million b/d.

    READ THE DECEMBER 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Prospects widen as Middle East rail projects are delivered; India’s L&T storms up MEED’s EPC contractor ranking; Manama balances growth with fiscal challenges

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the December 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    > BAHRAIN MARKET FOCUS: Manama pursues reform amid strain
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15249101/main0844.png
    Wil Crisp
  • Kuwait awards oil pipeline contract

    Administrator

    16 December 2025

    State-owned upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded a contract to East Ahmadi-based Mechanical Engineering & Contracting Company (MECC) to build an oil pipeline network.

    The project scope includes installing group manifolds and trunk lines in North Kuwait, according to a statement from Kuwait’s Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT).

    The contract was awarded on 8 December and has a value of KD34.7m ($113.1m).

    MECC outbid three other companies, who were:

    • Combined Group Contracting Company – KD35.4m
    • Sayed Hamid Behbehani & Sons Company – KD39.8m
    • Heavy Engineering Industries & Shipbuilding Company (Heisco) – KD40.1m

    The project will install infrastructure to transport liquids from oil wells to gathering centers 29, 30m and 31.

    Kuwait is set to record its highest total annual value for oil, gas and chemicals contract awards since 2017, according to data from regional project tracker MEED Projects.

    Earlier in December, MEED reported that 19 contracts totalling $1.9bn had been awarded so far in 2025.

    This is more than four times the value of contract awards in the same sectors last year, when they totalled just $436m.

    It is also above the $1.7bn peak recorded in 2021, but it remains far lower than the values of contract awards seen in 2014-17, when several large-scale, multibillion-dollar projects were awarded in the country.

    The surge in the value of contract awards has come after Kuwait’s emir indefinitely dissolved parliament and suspended some of the country’s constitutional articles in May 2024.

    Prior to the suspension of parliament, Kuwait experienced very low levels of project awards for several years amid political gridlock and infighting between the cabinet and parliament.

    This meant that important project decisions could not be made, which was seen as a major obstacle to the progress of strategic oil projects.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15249103/main.png
    Wil Crisp
  • Consortiums prepare bids for Dubai sewerage tunnel contracts

    Administrator

    16 December 2025

     

    Consortiums are preparing to submit bids for the first two packages of the flagship Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels (DSST) project by a deadline of 17 December.

    The $22bn public-private partnership (PPP) scheme comprises three packages: J, W and Links.

    MEED first reported in November that three consortiums were set to bid for packages J and W tendered by Dubai Municipality’s sewerage and recycled water projects department.

    These included:

    • Consortium 1: Led by Plenary Group (Australia) alongside Itochu (Japan) and Infrastructure Holding (UAE) 
    • Consortium 2: Led by Vision Invest (Saudi Arabia) alongside Suez Water Company (France)
    • Consortium 3: Led by Etihad Water & Electricity (UAE) alongside Tamasuk Holding (Saudi Arabia) and Alkhorayef Water & Power (Saudi Arabia)

    Under the PPP model, it is understood that each bidding consortium is bringing together equity partners, an appointed operator and a construction contractor.

    MEED can reveal that all three consortiums are now close to finalising operation and construction details as part of their bidding package.

    Under the first consortium, Plenary has been selected as operator, with construction to be led by Belgian contractor Besix, sources said.

    MEED understands that Vision Invest will act as operator for the second consortium, while Suez will lead construction.

    In the third consortium, EtihadWE is set to take the operator role, with construction led by France’s Veolia.

    Large-scale sewerage network

    The DSST masterplan project covers the construction of two sets of deep tunnels terminating at pump stations at Warsan and Jebel Ali Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). It also includes over 200 kilometres of sewer links.

    Construction work was previously categorised in multiple packages under the Warsan Strategic Tunnel Scheme (Package W) and the Jebel Ali Strategic Sewerage Scheme (J1 North, J2 South, J3 Jebel Ali Links).

    These packages have now been restructured and renamed.

    MEED understands that under the new structure, the J and W packages have a combined value of approximately $16bn. The bid submission deadline for these packages was initially 3 December, before it was extended.

    The third Links package, meanwhile, will be tendered next year. 

    The three packages are being procured under 30-year design, build, finance, operate and maintain concession models.

    The DSST project aims to convert Dubai’s sewerage system from a pumped network to a gravity-based system, enabling the emirate to replace existing sewage pumping stations and meet long-term capacity needs.

    The municipality previously launched a refresher request for qualifications in September for developers that had originally been shortlisted under the first prequalification process. 

    The DSST programme also marks the first time the municipality will implement In-Country Value (ICV), a local content programme that promotes economic benefits.

    READ THE DECEMBER 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Prospects widen as Middle East rail projects are delivered; India’s L&T storms up MEED’s EPC contractor ranking; Manama balances growth with fiscal challenges

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the December 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    > BAHRAIN MARKET FOCUS: Manama pursues reform amid strain
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15249805/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Adnoc Refining awards engineering for naphtha-to-jet fuel project

    Administrator

    16 December 2025

     

    The refining arm of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc Refining) has awarded a front-end engineering and design (feed) contract for a key project to convert naphtha into jet fuel.

    State-owned Engineers India Limited (EIL) has won the feed contract from Adnoc Refining, sources told MEED. The contract is believed to be worth about $4m, according to sources.

    Adnoc Refining produces approximately 11 million tonnes a year (t/y) of naphtha, which is categorised into two types: crude naphtha, produced from crude processing at its refineries, and condensate naphtha, obtained from processing condensates.

    The project aims to convert a large portion of Adnoc Refining’s naphtha output into jet fuel – a higher-value product – thereby increasing overall refining margins.

    Adnoc Group owns a 65% majority stake in Adnoc Refining. Italian energy major Eni and Austria’s OMV own 20% and 15% stakes, respectively, following a $5.8bn transaction completed in 2019.

    Adnoc Refining has a total refining capacity of 922,000 barrels a day (b/d) of crude oil and condensates. The company produces more than 40 million t/y of refined products, including liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, gasoline, jet fuel, gas oil, base oil, fuel oil and petrochemical feedstocks such as propylene. Its specialty products include carbon black and anode coke.

    The Adnoc Group subsidiary is also advancing a separate project to maximise naphtha production from its refineries. The main scope of work is to develop an integrated naphtha production complex that will include light and heavy naphtha hydrotreaters, light naphtha isomerisation units, two heavy naphtha reformer units and a 50,000 b/d continuous catalytic reformer.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15247642/main3656.jpg
    Indrajit Sen
  • Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah tenders Wadi Safar hotel contract

    Administrator

    15 December 2025

     

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Saudi gigaproject developer Diriyah Company has issued a tender inviting firms to bid for a contract to build a Montage hotel and branded residences within its Wadi Safar masterplan in the Diriyah development.

    The project comprises a 200-key hotel and 30 branded residences.

    The tender was issued earlier in December with a bid submission deadline of 12 January.

    Dubai-based SSH is the lead designer and the supervision consultant.

    UK-headquartered Turner & Townsend is the project management consultant.

    Wadi Safar is one of the original projects announced by Diriyah Company as part of the Diriyah project.

    It is a mixed-use development featuring residential buildings, farm plots, hotels, branded hotel villas, a golf course, an equestrian and polo club and other leisure and entertainment facilities.

    The main construction works on some of the other assets in Wadi Safar are under way.

    In July last year, MEED exclusively reported that Diriyah Company had awarded an estimated SR8bn ($2bn) contract to construct assets in the Wadi Safar development of the Diriyah project in Riyadh to a joint venture of local firm Albawani and Qatari contractor Urbacon Trading & Contracting.

    The joint venture is developing the following assets:

    • The Aman Wadi Safar hotel and residences
    • A Six Senses hotel
    • A Chedi hotel and residences
    • A Faena hotel and residences
    • The Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club (excluding enabling works)
    • The North and South Fairways retail facilities and a mosque
    • The Grove retail facilities, mosque and clinics

    So far this year, the company has awarded several main construction contracts worth over SR24bn ($6.5bn).

    In November, Diriyah Company awarded two construction contracts with a combined value of over SR5.7bn ($1.5bn), as MEED reported.

    The contracts were officially announced on the sidelines of the Cityscape Global event in Riyadh on 17 November.

    The first contract was awarded to local firm BEC Arabia Contracting Company for the construction of offices in the Media and Innovation District of Diriyah.

    MEED understands that the contract is valued at about $800m.

    This project will deliver office spaces for media companies and creative agencies.

    Within the same district, BEC Arabia will also build residential assets on the Manazel Al-Hadawi plots.

    The other contract, estimated to be worth $900m, was awarded for the main construction works on King Khalid Road. 

    The deal was signed with another local firm, Almabani General Contractors.

    The project involves constructing three interchanges connecting King Khalid Road with the northern and western ring roads.

    The Diriyah masterplan envisages the city as a cultural and lifestyle tourism destination. Located northwest of Riyadh’s city centre, it will cover 14 square kilometres and combine 300 years of history, culture and heritage with hospitality facilities.

    READ THE DECEMBER 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Prospects widen as Middle East rail projects are delivered; India’s L&T storms up MEED’s EPC contractor ranking; Manama balances growth with fiscal challenges

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the December 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    > BAHRAIN MARKET FOCUS: Manama pursues reform amid strain
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15245607/main5354.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Acwa Power acquires Bahrain assets from Engie

    Administrator

    15 December 2025

    Saudi Arabia's Acwa Power has completed the acquisition of gas-fired power generation and water desalination assets in Bahrain from France’s Engie.

    The completed Bahrain acquisition was announced on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). It comprises 45% stakes in both the Al-Ezzel independent power project (IPP) and Al-Dur independent water and power project (IWPP), and a 30% stake in the Al-Hidd IWPP.

    The 1,220MW Al-Dur and 930MW Al-Hidd plants include seawater reverse osmosis and multi-stage flash desalination facilities, respectively. The Al-Ezzel IPP has a power generation capacity of 940MW.

    The transaction also includes the acquisition of Bahrain's Al-Ezzel O&M Company, giving Acwa Power full ownership of the plant’s operations and maintenance platform.

    The sale forms part of a wider transaction covering assets in Bahrain and Kuwait. In the stock exchange filing, Acwa Power said the Kuwait portion will be finalised once "customary technical conditions" are met. 

    This comprises an 18% stake in the Al-Zour North IWPP. The facility includes a 1,520MW combined-cycle gas-fired power plant and a 486,000-cubic-metre-a-day desalination plant.

    Acwa Power is also acquiring a 50% stake in Kuwait's Al-Zour North O&M Company.

    Across Bahrain and Kuwait, the assets being acquired have a combined gas-fired power generation capacity of about 4.6GW and total desalination capacity of around 1.1 million cubic metres a day, according to the company.

    Engie recently told MEED that the sale is part of plans to phase out conventional assets and shift towards renewables projects.

    The transaction was signed in February under a share purchase agreement with Kahrabel, a subsidiary of Engie, and is valued at SR2.6bn ($693m). It is being financed through a mix of Acwa Power’s own funds and external financing.

    READ THE DECEMBER 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Prospects widen as Middle East rail projects are delivered; India’s L&T storms up MEED’s EPC contractor ranking; Manama balances growth with fiscal challenges

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the December 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    > BAHRAIN MARKET FOCUS: Manama pursues reform amid strain
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15242361/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Kuwait appoints consultant for major wastewater project

    Administrator

    15 December 2025

    Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works has commissioned Lebanese consultancy Dar Al-Handasah to provide design review and construction supervision services for the South Al-Mutlaa wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).

    Located on a 1.1 million square metre site in Kuwait's South Al-Mutlaa City, the WWTP will have a treatment capacity of 400,000 cubic metres a day (cm/d), with peak capacity of up to 600,000 cm/d.

    In October, the ministry awarded the $489m main contract to Turkiye's Kuzu Group to build, operate and maintain the plant. 

    The plant will serve residents of the Al-Mutlaa City development, which includes more than 28,000 housing units located about 40 kilometres (km) north of Kuwait City. The Al-Mutlaa project is one of the largest residential schemes under development in the country. 

    According to the ministry, the project will produce tertiary treated water for agricultural and other non-potable uses, combining conventional and renewable energy sources.

    Kuzu Group was previously confirmed as the lowest bidder for the scheme in July 2024.

    MEED previously reported that the project scope includes underground buffering tanks with a capacity of 50,000 cubic metres, a tanker discharge station of the same capacity and a treated sewage effluent network to Al-Mutlaa’s irrigation systems.

    It also includes a 40km waterline linking the plant to a bird sanctuary in Al-Jahra Governorate.

    The tender was first issued in 2020 but was cancelled during the Covid-19 lockdown period. It was retendered in November 2021 and attracted four commercial offers.

    Construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with the plant due to be completed by the end of 2029.

    READ THE DECEMBER 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Prospects widen as Middle East rail projects are delivered; India’s L&T storms up MEED’s EPC contractor ranking; Manama balances growth with fiscal challenges

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the December 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    > BAHRAIN MARKET FOCUS: Manama pursues reform amid strain
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15241920/main3420.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
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