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  • Adnoc Onshore selects contractors for well tie-ins project Administrator

    27 October 2026

     

    Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s onshore operating arm (Adnoc Onshore) has selected contractors for a major project to tie in wells across the Bab and North East Bab oil field developments in Abu Dhabi.

    Located 84 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi city, the Bab field has been in production since 1960 and is the emirate’s first oil-producing asset. The North East Bab cluster comprises the Al-Nouf, Rumaitha and Shanayel fields. 

    The Bab and North East Bab One Tie-In project is central to Adnoc Onshore’s contribution to Adnoc Group’s target of expanding crude oil production capacity to 5 million barrels a day (b/d) by 2027, an initiative known as the Accelerated Integrated Programme 5. The state energy company’s total production capacity currently stands at approximately 4.85 million b/d.

    According to industry sources, Adnoc Onshore has selected local contractor Robt Stone Middle East and China’s Jereh Group to carry out engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) works on the project. While both firms have been notified of their selection, a formal project kick-off meeting has yet to take place.

    Adnoc Onshore is understood to have started the tendering process for the Bab and North East Bab One Tie-In project last year, with contractors submitting technical and commercial bids earlier this year.

    Following the evaluation of bids, Adnoc Onshore sought best commercial offers from the bidders, which contractors submitted in May, MEED previously reported.

    The project budget is estimated at $1.2bn.

    Bidders for the contract are understood to have included:

    • Galfar Emirates (UAE branch of Oman’s Galfar Engineering & Construction)
    • Jereh (China)
    • Kalpataru Projects International (India)
    • Matrix Construction (UAE)
    • Robt Stone Middle East (UAE)
    • Target Engineering Construction Company (UAE)

    The project scope covers residual engineering, procurement of materials not supplied as free-issue items, site surveys, construction, installation, inspection, testing, and pre-commissioning and commissioning support. The works will deliver new wellsite facilities, including a new mini-pad, well bays and clusters across the Bab and North East Bab developments.

    Adnoc Onshore is Adnoc Group’s largest production subsidiary, accounting for roughly 2 million b/d of crude and about 7 billion cubic feet a day of associated gas from four primary onshore asset clusters: Bab, Bu Hasa, North East Bab and South East.

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    Indrajit Sen
  • Ashghal tenders Al-Udeid air base access road works Administrator

    27 October 2026

     

    Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has invited contractors to bid on a contract to build roads and related infrastructure around Al-Udeid Air Base.

    The project is located in Zone 95 of Al-Wakra Municipality, adjacent to Al-Majd Road. 

    The tender was issued on 22 October, with a submission deadline of 22 November.

    The scope includes the construction of a dual-lane carriageway to improve access to the air base, together with three roundabouts. The alignment will connect to Al-Majd Road to the east and tie into Street 203 in Zone 95 to the west. The contractor will also resurface and maintain connections to the existing road network.

    Associated works include street lighting, intelligent transport systems, directional signage and a surface-water drainage collection system.

    The contractor will provide crossing ducts, protect and relocate conflicting existing utilities, and complete detailed utility designs as required by relevant stakeholders through the Qatar Design Review System.

    The project also includes the design and construction of two electrical substations. The contractor must secure the necessary stakeholder and authority approvals before starting these works.

    The scheme will be delivered on a remeasurable, build-only basis using designs approved by others. It will also include designated contractor-designed elements and design-and-build packages for the substations.

    Bidders must submit two commercial pricing options: a base offer subject to material price-fluctuation provisions, and an alternative authority option without such provisions.

    The contract has a 550-day completion period from the commencement date, including mobilisation, followed by a 400-day maintenance period after the completion certificate is issued.

    Participation is restricted to local and international contractors registered under the Ministry of Finance classification system in Grade A or Grade B for road specialisation.

    Unclassified foreign firms may submit equivalent certified documentation from their country of origin, attested by Qatari diplomatic missions. They must obtain Ministry of Finance registration before contract award.

    For joint-venture bids, the lead partner must hold the required classification grade.

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    Yasir Iqbal
  • Saudi Arabia gauges interest for Al-Ula wastewater expansion Administrator

    27 October 2026

     

    Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU) is conducting market sounding for the first phase of the Mughayra wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) expansion before formally starting its tendering process, according to industry sources.

    The project is valued at SR400m ($107m) and is intended to increase the Mughayra plant’s wastewater treatment capacity to 62,000 cubic metres a day.

    RCU is gauging interest from potential contractors and has not yet issued a prequalification questionnaire, a source said.

    The scheme forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader investment drive to develop its cultural and tourism offering across Al-Ula.

    The commission launched its Journey Through Time Masterplan in April 2021, with implementation scheduled in three phases through 2035. The masterplan covers infrastructure development, water management and irrigation, alongside the regeneration of a 9-kilometre cultural oasis.

    French engineering firm Artelia previously noted in its 2025 annual corporate report that it is involved in the design phase of the Mughayra WWTP.

    RCU is also developing strategic potable-water storage infrastructure in Al-Ula, including a design-and-build project covering a 50,000-cubic-metre reservoir at Hub 06 and a 15,000-cubic-metre reservoir at Hub 08.

    Local contractor Bin Omairah previously confirmed that it is serving as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the storage facilities.

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    Mark Dowdall
  • Qatari firm wins $147m Syria road deal Administrator

    27 October 2026

    Qatari contractor Al-Mohannadi for Roads, Trading & Contracting has signed a $147m contract with Syria’s General Directorate of Roads to rehabilitate and expand a 215-kilometre (km) highway corridor connecting to the Iraqi border.

    The project covers the rehabilitation and dualisation of a 170km section linking the Al-Busairi junction to the Al-Tanf border crossing, alongside the construction of a 45km link between the Al-Sabaa Biyar junction and Al-Busairi. Work is scheduled for completion within 900 days.

    The agreement was signed in Damascus by Moaz Najjar, director-general of the General Directorate of Roads, and Abdullah Adnan Al-Zattam, chief executive of Al-Mohannadi, in the presence of Syrian Transport Minister Yarob Badr and Finance Minister Mohammad Yusr Barnieh.

    The upgrade is intended to restore and expand one of Syria’s primary overland arteries to Iraq, which has suffered significant deterioration and capacity bottlenecks following years of conflict. The Al-Tanf corridor represents the most direct overland link between Damascus, central Syrian industrial centres and Baghdad.

    The project is designed to accommodate heavier commercial freight vehicles and reduce transit times between the two countries.

    The investment also forms part of broader efforts to re-establish Syria’s role as a regional transit corridor connecting Mediterranean ports with landlocked trade routes into Iraq and the wider region.

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    Yasir Iqbal
  • Adnoc showcases $16.3bn local manufacturing potential Administrator

    27 October 2026

    Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc Group) has identified more than AED60bn ($16.3bn) in local manufacturing opportunities through 2030.

    The Abu Dhabi energy company also announced changes to its procurement, supplier registration and In-Country Value (ICV) localisation frameworks.

    The measures were announced at the second Make it with Adnoc Forum, held in Abu Dhabi on October 25. They are intended to give manufacturers, suppliers and investors greater visibility of future demand and a faster, clearer route to compete for Adnoc contracts, the company said.

    The more than 200 manufacturing opportunities cover products required for Adnoc’s projects and operations, including:

    • Rotating equipment and power
    • Electrical, control and automation systems
    • Drilling and completion equipment
    • Chemicals and catalysts
    • Piping, fabrication and heavy equipment
    • Spare parts and advanced manufacturing

    Many of the identified products are currently imported, Adnoc said. “Manufacturing them in the UAE shortens lead times, reduces exposure to global supply disruptions and strengthens the resilience of Adnoc’s operations,” it said in its statement.

    Adnoc, the UAE Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) will work together to connect manufacturers with these opportunities. The collaboration will combine visibility of Adnoc’s demand, access to the national industrial database and financing through the National Industrial Resilience Fund, the company said.

    Adnoc also signed two memorandums of understanding on the sidelines of the forum with Adio and Kezad Group.

    ICV scheme expansion

    Adnoc announced the expansion of its Local+ programme, part of its ICV framework, to more than 100 UAE manufacturers, compared with 70 at its launch in May. The programme gives UAE-made products priority in Adnoc projects by requiring engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors bidding for new tenders to source relevant products from manufacturers approved under the programme.

    Separately, Adnoc announced a redesign of its supplier registration and prequalification process. The company is targeting a reduction of up to 80% in the time required for suppliers to complete the process and become eligible to compete for Adnoc opportunities.

    The new model halves the number of required documents and removes prequalification requirements for 60% of service categories.

    A single window brings together registration, qualification and compliance, with requirements tailored to the nature of the work and its level of risk. Artificial intelligence will support document verification and the reuse of existing data, reducing repetitive submissions and administrative processing.

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    “Adnoc’s enhanced ICV model will more closely connect procurement decisions with commercial value and suppliers’ contribution to the UAE economy. Under the new model, commercial and ICV offers will be integrated into a single evaluation model,” the company said.

    “The previous bid-matching approach will be retired, encouraging suppliers to submit their most competitive commercial and ICV offers from the outset. Requirements will be proportionate to contract size and scope.

    “The model also enhances the administration of ICV-related retention payments. Where retention applies, automated calculation and release processes through the Adnoc Supplier Hub will improve transparency, reduce manual follow-up and support suppliers’ cash flow as obligations are met.”

    Alongside the ICV and registration enhancements, Adnoc outlined a new commercial approach built around four strategic shifts: agile, competitive, strategic and forward-looking.

    “The approach will advance simpler procurement and faster decision-making, contracting models aligned with project and market dynamics, targeted commercial negotiations and earlier visibility of Adnoc’s future demand.”

    Since its launch in 2018, Adnoc’s ICV programme has directed more than AED307bn ($83.6bn) into the UAE economy, the company said. By the end of 2025, it had also supported the localisation of more than 130 products, the development of 95 UAE factories, and employment opportunities for more than 27,500 Emiratis at participating private sector companies.

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    Indrajit Sen
  • Riyadh selects contractor for $534m road works Administrator

    27 October 2026

     

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has selected Riyadh-based contractor Saudi Pan Kingdom (Sapac) for an estimated SR2bn ($534m) contract to carry out road construction works in the capital.

    The scope of work covers the construction of 6 kilometres (km) of new road infrastructure, including interchanges 9, 10 and 11 on King Salman Road.

    The contract includes road and bridge works; earthworks; stormwater drainage systems; road lighting; intelligent transportation systems; irrigation pumping stations; landscaping; utility diversions; and associated civil, structural, electrical and infrastructure works.

    The award follows RCRC’s selection of local firm Alomaier Trading & Contracting Company for an estimated SR1.13bn ($301m) contract to upgrade a section of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Road in eastern Riyadh. 

    That project involves constructing an urban road corridor about 3km long with a right-of-way width of about 120 metres. The package includes three interchanges featuring post-tensioned, voided-slab concrete bridges; a cut-and-cover tunnel; and three box culverts designated IC02, IC03 and IC04.

    It also encompasses stormwater drainage, pumping and lifting stations, irrigation networks, mechanically stabilised earth retaining walls, roadway lighting and power distribution systems.

    RCRC’s roads development programme is upgrading Riyadh’s arterial network through new road corridors, interchanges, bridges, tunnels and supporting utility infrastructure.

    The programme is intended to address congestion, improve connections between key areas and expand the capital’s transport capacity ahead of Expo 2030 and the 2034 Fifa World Cup. Recent awards to Sapac and Alomaier form part of this wider investment.


    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
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    Yasir Iqbal
  • Saudi Arabia raises electricity tariffs Administrator

    26 October 2026

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Saudi Energy, formerly Saudi Electricity Company, has announced revised electricity tariffs, which will take effect on 1 January 2027. 

    The revised tariff schedule, published on the company’s official website, covers residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, charitable and government customers.

    The largest percentage increase in consumption rates is 16.7%, for residential customers using up to 6,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month. Residential customers will pay 21 halalas/kWh for monthly consumption of up to 6,000kWh, up from 18 halalas. For consumption above 6,000kWh, the rate will rise from 30 to 33 halalas/kWh, a 10% increase.

    The industrial tariff will increase by 15%, from 20 to 23 halalas/kWh. Commercial customers, private healthcare facilities and private educational facilities will pay 25 halalas/kWh, up from 22 halalas, for consumption up to 6,000kWh a month, and 35 halalas/kWh above that level, up from 32 halalas.

    Tariffs for charities and government customers will also increase. In addition to consumption-based charges, customers will pay a fixed monthly fee based on the capacity of their electricity meter. This replaces the previous separate charge for meter reading, maintenance and billing, with VAT applied to the revised tariffs. 

    Electricity investment

    The new tariffs coincide with changes to water consumption tariffs announced by the National Water Company, also effective from 1 January 2027.

    King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud directed support measures following a proposal presented by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

    This includes raising the minimum wage required for Saudi nationals to count as full employees towards private sector localisation quotas under the Nitaqat programme. 

    The tariff changes come as Saudi Arabia plans substantial investment in its electricity infrastructure. In September 2025, Saudi Energy announced plans to invest SR220bn ($58.7bn) in power infrastructure projects between 2025 and 2030.

    A June 2025 report by Fitch Ratings forecast negative free cash flow of about SR16bn a year over the period and rising leverage, reflecting the financial demands of the programme.

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    Mark Dowdall
  • Dubai Municipality confirms AED3bn Tasreef drainage awards Administrator

    26 October 2026

    Dubai Municipality has confirmed it has awarded four contracts worth AED3bn ($817m) to expand the emirate’s stormwater drainage network by about 100 square kilometres under phase three of the Tasreef programme.

    The projects will cover Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al-Quoz, Al-Barsha, Al-Wasl and Al-Marmoom. The works include constructing and extending main stormwater drainage lines with diameters of up to three metres.

    The four packages are part of Dubai’s AED30bn Tasreef programme, which aims to increase the emirate’s stormwater drainage capacity by 700% and reduce costs associated with pumping stations, network operations and maintenance by 20%.

    The contracts have been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and three local firms: Arifco Group, Nael Construction & Contracting (NCC) and Detech Contracting. Dubai Municipality did not state which projects the awards relate to.

    According to sources, the contract awards include packages TF-15-C1, TF-15-C2 and TF-13-C1.

    The first package, TF-15-C1, involves the construction of 21 kilometres of main and secondary drainage lines along Al-Wasl Road and in surrounding areas. It will cover Za’abeel 2, Al-Wasl, Jumeirah 1 and 2, Al-Bada’a, Al-Satwa and Dubai World Trade Centre. The estimated $100m contract was awarded to Detech in July, as exclusively reported by MEED.

    The second package, TF-15-C2, covers the corridor between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al-Khail Road. It includes about 14km of main drainage lines serving Al-Quoz Industrial Areas 1, 3 and 4, and Al-Barsha 1. In July, MEED reported that CSCEC had won the engineering, procurement and construction contract for this project.

    The third package, TF-13-C1, covers Al-Marmoom, where 23km of drainage infrastructure will be developed. According to a source, Arifco has been awarded this contract.

    The final package covers Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, where about 42km of main drainage lines will serve Umm Suqeim 1, 2 and 3; Umm Al-Sheif; Jumeirah 3; Al-Safa 1 and 2; and Al-Manara.

    In May, MEED reported that NCC had been awarded a contract to build a sewage and stormwater drainage system, DS-204. However, it is unconfirmed whether this relates to the same project.

    Earlier, in February, the municipality confirmed it had awarded contracts for five new projects under phase two of the programme to expand and strengthen Dubai’s stormwater drainage network.

    These included two contracts awarded to Detech and one to CSCEC for stormwater drainage infrastructure. In addition, two consultancy contracts were awarded for the study and design of drainage systems in selected areas across the emirate.

    Cumulatively valued at AED2.5bn, the new projects will serve 30 vital areas, spanning approximately 430 million square metres and supporting an estimated population of three million residents by 2040.

    Previously, in April 2025, an earlier package of awards was announced under phase one of the Tasreef programme. The overall masterplan aims to expand Dubai’s rainwater drainage capacity by 700% by 2033.

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    Mark Dowdall
  • Nakheel awards $259m Dubai Islands buildings contract Administrator

    26 October 2026

    Dubai-based master developer Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded local firm Parkway International Contracting a construction contract valued at about AED950m ($259m) for phases two and four of Bay Grove Residences on Dubai Islands.

    The package covers 617 residential units across eight buildings, ranging from one to four bedrooms, together with basement structures, infrastructure and community amenities including swimming pools, sports courts and fitness centres.

    Phase two comprises 360 homes across four buildings, with main construction scheduled for completion in late 2028.

    Phase four includes 257 homes across four buildings, with completion targeted for the second quarter of 2029.

    The award follows an earlier contract valued at about AED800m ($218m) awarded to local contractor Metac General Contracting Company for phases one and three, covering 537 homes across seven buildings.

    Together, the two contracts total more than AED1.75bn ($476m) and account for all 1,154 planned homes across the 15 buildings of Bay Grove Residences.

    Project activity on Dubai Islands has gathered pace in recent months. Earlier this month, Nakheel awarded local firm Mar Marine & Building Contracting a contract for marine and coastal works on Island B. The scope includes constructing breakwaters, removing existing rock revetments and creating a new 320-metre beach near the Bay Villas development, as well as remedial and refurbishment works along approximately 3 kilometres of the island’s western shoreline.

    In August 2025, Nakheel awarded Fibrex Contracting a AED2.6bn ($708m) construction contract for the Bay Villas residential project. That followed a AED527m ($143m) contract awarded to Al-Nasr Contracting Company in April 2026 for primary infrastructure and utilities on Island B.

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    Yasir Iqbal
  • Expo 2030 Riyadh tenders Culture of Wisdom Pavilion Administrator

    26 October 2026

     

    Saudi Arabia's Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) has tendered the design-and-build main contract for the construction of the Culture of Wisdom Pavilion in the expo’s Humanity District.

    The tender was issued on 1 October, with a bid submission deadline of 6 January 2027.

    The scope covers the pavilion’s design and the delivery of the building, visitor experience, landscape and public-realm works, in addition to testing, commissioning and operational handover.

    The pavilion will be built on a plot of at least 12,293 square metres and will include a one-level basement, ground- and first-floor public areas, three interconnected courtyards, exhibition spaces on three levels, and an auditorium.

    Other facilities will include visitor engagement areas, food and beverage outlets, retail space, VIP areas, offices, back-of-house and technical spaces, as well as vertical circulation and building services.

    The facility is designed to accommodate at least 20,000 visitors a day during peak periods, with an anticipated average daily footfall of about 15,000 visitors. The project has a target of Leed Gold certification.

    The successful contractor will complete the design, including specialist contractor design portions, and will coordinate the works with the lead design consultant. The scope also includes substructure and early works, including earthworks, excavation, soil improvement, raft foundations, basement reinforced-concrete walls, waterproofing and backfilling.

    The main works tender is based on Royal Institute of British Architects' Stage 3 design at 60%, with the 100% Stage 3 design to be issued by addendum.

    The main contractor will take over early construction, foundation works and the lead designer’s role. Visitor experience works will be confirmed at a later stage.

    The contract also covers the building envelope; internal fit-out; mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; information and communications technology; fire and life safety systems; security; specialist lighting; landscaping; utilities; and digital and immersive visitor-experience installations.

    ERC has also tendered the design-and-build main contract for the Adaptation and Innovation Pavilion in the exhibition’s Technology District, as MEED reported last week.

    Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 2030 to March 2031 with the theme Foresight for Tomorrow, with host authorities projecting approximately 42 million visits.

    The masterplan covers 6 square kilometres, making it one of the largest sites ever designated for a World Expo event.

    Situated north of the Saudi capital, the site is located near the future King Salman International airport and will provide direct access to Riyadh landmarks.

    The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth vehicle, launched ERC – a wholly owned subsidiary – in June 2025 to build and operate facilities for Expo 2030.


    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
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    Yasir Iqbal