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Contractor wins $105m Medina university hospital deal Administrator22 September 2026
Riyadh-based construction firm Al-Mansouria General Contracting Company has been awarded a SR396m ($105.6m) contract to complete the remaining construction works on the Taiba University Hospital project in Medina.
The contract scope includes structural completion, remaining civil works, mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations, specialised clinical fit-outs and medical gas infrastructure to bring the long-stalled facility into operation.
Located on King Khalid Road along Medina’s Third Ring Road, the teaching hospital will have a capacity of 563 beds.
The contract duration is three years, with delivery targeted for late 2029.
The latest award follows a prolonged procurement cycle that began more than a decade ago as part of a public budget drive to expand Saudi Arabia’s higher education infrastructure.
The project’s first phase was initially signed in December 2011 with local firm Al-Muhaidib Contracting under a SR500m ($133.3m) contract.
Groundbreaking for the eight-storey complex took place in July 2013. The project covers a gross floor area of more than 200,000 square metres.
Progress stalled shortly thereafter due to reported structural delays and the reallocation of public capital budgets across the kingdom’s social infrastructure pipeline.
READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFNuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf nuclear revival takes shape> MARKET FOCUS: Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive under fire> INDUSTRY REPORT: Gas processing takes centre stage in Mena regionTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19870032/main.jpg -
Oman tenders Thumrait Industrial City infrastructure Administrator22 September 2026
Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) has tendered an estimated RO15m ($39m) contract to develop infrastructure for Thumrait Industrial City.
The tender was issued on 14 September, with bids due by 12 November.
The scope covers site-wide utilities and services, including an internal road network, stormwater channels and culverts. It also includes installing sewerage and water networks, along with landscaping works.
In addition, Madayn intends to build plug-and-play industrial units and a facilities building.
The first phase of the development will cover about 120,000 square metres (sq m).
Thumrait Industrial City is located in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate and spans an area of more than four million sq m.
The project location is close to concession blocks, quarry sites and the Najd agricultural areas. It is positioned to attract industrial investments in sectors such as mining and minerals processing (including gypsum and cement), food production, and a range of light and general manufacturing activities.
In March, Madayn said it is preparing to invest more than RO245m ($637m) to upgrade and expand infrastructure across its industrial cities between 2026 and 2030, as part of efforts to attract new investment and advance economic diversification.
According to media reports, Madayn chief executive Dawood Bin Salim Al-Hadabi said the programme is part of an expanded, phased plan aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the authority’s long-term Madayn 2040 strategy.
The objective is to deepen Oman’s industrial base and spread growth across the sultanate’s governorates.
Madayn said the pipeline comprises about 90 strategic projects to improve industrial-city infrastructure, extend serviced land and increase the overall ease of doing business for investors.
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Kuwait halves drilling contractor pool Administrator22 September 2026
State-owned upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has reduced the number of approved contractors for onshore drilling and shallow-well maintenance from 51 to 24.
Firms that are no longer qualified include major contractors such as Italy’s Saipem, Oklahoma-based Helmerich & Payne and Houston-based Patterson-UTI Energy.
The latest list still includes a wide range of Kuwaiti, regional and international companies, according to the latest update on its electronic system, published on 21 September 2026.
The full list of contractors that are now qualified to participate in tenders is:
- Burgan Company for Well Drilling, Trading & Maintenance (Kuwait)
- Kuwait Drilling Company (Kuwait)
- Sun Drilling Kuwait (Kuwait)
- TDL Kuwait for Oil Rigs & Natural Gas Extraction Activities, Services and Facilities (Kuwait)
- United Precision Drilling (Kuwait)
- Abraj Energy Services (Oman)
- Adnoc Drilling Company (UAE)
- Arabian Drilling Company (Saudi Arabia)
- Anton Oilfield Services (China)
- China Oilfield Services (China)
- Egyptian Drilling Company (Egypt)
- CNPC Bohai Drilling Engineering Company (China)
- Great Wall Drilling Company (China)
- John Energy (India)
- Kerui Oilfield Service (China)
- KCA Deutag Drilling (Germany)
- Mohammed Al-Barwani Petroleum Services (Oman)
- Nabors Drilling International (US)
- National Drilling & Services Company (Oman)
- Sea & Land Drilling Contractors (Oman)
- Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation (China)
- Karamay Jianye Energy (China)
- Modern Drilling Company (Egypt)
- Grey Wolf Drilling International (US)
An earlier list, which was published on 11 February, included 51 qualified companies.
The reduction in qualified drilling contractors follows KOC’s notice on 27 April this year, informing existing qualified contractors that they would need to reapply.
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Abu Dhabi expects 45% emissions cut as electricity demand rises Administrator21 September 2026
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Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Water & Electricity Company (Ewec) expects carbon emissions from power and water production to fall by more than 45% by 2035 as the UAE expands renewable energy and reverse osmosis (RO) desalination.
The state offtaker's latest long-term system planning forecasts emissions will decline from about 42 million tonnes in 2019 to approximately 23 million tonnes in 2035.
The reduction is expected despite annual electricity demand that is forecast to rise by about 70% in 2026-33.
Ewec said the expansion of renewable energy and the shift towards RO desalination will be the principal drivers of the reduction.
The company plans to increase Abu Dhabi's solar capacity to 14GW by 2030 and more than 35GW by 2035. This will be supported by up to 15GW of battery storage capacity.
According to regional project tracker MEED Projects, Ewec has over $16bn-worth of power and water projects in the execution stage as part of its long-term procurement programme to increase renewable energy and low-carbon water production capacity.
This includes a 5.2GW Abu Dhabi solar and battery energy storage system (bess) round-the-clock renewable energy project, as well as three 1.5GW solar photovoltaic independent power projects (IPP): Al-Ajban, Al-Khazna and Al-Zarraf.
It also comprises the 1GW Al-Dhafra open-cycle gas turbine power plant, the 2.5GW Taweelah C combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant and a separate 400MW bess IPP.
As previously reported, it is expected that the developer's agreement for the 3.3GW Al-Nouf 1 CCGT IPP will be signed by the end of the year, while contractors are preparing to submit bids for a separate 2.6GW power plant project in Ajman.
The expansion of solar and battery storage is expected to reduce the system's reliance on gas-fired generation. However, gas-fired generation will continue to provide flexibility to support the system and balance intermittent renewable power output, according to Ewec.
The offtaker also expects RO desalination to account for more than 95% of total water production by 2035, with the procurement programme supporting the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy's Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for electricity production and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.
READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFNuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf nuclear revival takes shape> MARKET FOCUS: Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive under fire> INDUSTRY REPORT: Gas processing takes centre stage in Mena regionTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19849749/main.jpg -
Seven bid for Bahrain highway upgrade Administrator21 September 2026
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Seven contractors have submitted bids for the next phase of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Highway upgrade project.
According to results published by the Bahrain Tender Board, the firms that have submitted bids include:
- Nass Contracting Company
- Haji Hassan Group
- Almoayyed Contracting Group
- Mohammed Abdulmohsen Al-Kharafi & Sons
- Eastern Asphalt & Concrete Production
- Cebarco Bahrain
- Kingdom Asphalt
The contract scope includes expansion works on 2 kilometres of the highway. It consists of a four-lane dual carriageway with service roads on both sides.
The scope of works also includes excavation and backfill work, construction of stormwater drainage networks, a pumping station, installation of ducts for future utilities, upgraded street lighting, traffic signs and directional signage.
The project aims to improve traffic capacity, reduce congestion and enhance safety along the transport corridor linking Manama with industrial zones.
In April, MEED reported that Bahrain had approved a financing agreement framework to fund the construction of the next phase of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Highway upgrade.
In March last year, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the Bahraini government signed a KD10m ($32.4m) loan agreement to fund the second phase of the project, which is expected to cost about $404m.
This was followed in September 2025 by the appointment of US-based Parsons Corporation on a $1.5m contract to provide pre-contract engineering consultancy services for the project.
According to data from regional project tracker MEED Projects, construction of the first phase was completed in 2020.
A joint venture of local firm Nass Contracting and Kuwait’s KCC Engineering & Contracting undertook the main construction works.
READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFNuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf nuclear revival takes shape> MARKET FOCUS: Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive under fire> INDUSTRY REPORT: Gas processing takes centre stage in Mena regionTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19847073/main.png -
Teams prepare bids for Oman PPP wastewater project Administrator21 September 2026
At least three consortiums are preparing bids for a contract to develop and operate two major sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Oman.
The public-private partnership (PPP) project covers expanding two Muscat-based plants: the Al-Ansab STP (phase three) and the Al-Amerat STP (phase two). It will be delivered under a build-own-operate-transfer model.
At Al-Ansab, capacity will increase from 125,000 cubic metres a day (cm/d) to 207,000 cm/d. At Al-Amerat, capacity will rise from 18,000 cm/d to 54,000 cm/d.
According to sources, the bidders for the project include:
- Etihad Water & Electricity (UAE) / Metito (UAE)
- Lamar Holding (Bahrain) / Tawzea (Saudi Arabia)
- Civil Works Company (CWC, Saudi Arabia) / Suez (France)
The bid submission deadline is 5 January 2027.
State-owned Nama Water Services (NWS) issued a request for proposals for the project in July, as exclusively reported by MEED.
It is understood that Veolia (France), Miahona (Saudi Arabia) and Samsung E&A (South Korea) are also among the firms that prequalified for the project after the request for qualifications was issued last November.
The project scope includes the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the new facilities, alongside the long-term operation of the existing facilities.
It has been over a decade since the Al-Ansab STP first entered full operation at a capacity of about 54,000 cm/d. In 2015, South Korea’s Doosan Ennerbility, formerly Doosan Heavy Industries, was awarded the main engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the phase two expansion, which increased the facility’s maximum flow capacity to 125,000 cm/d. This phase was completed in 2017.
Phase one of the Al-Amerat STP was awarded to a joint venture of France’s Degremont (Suez) and local contractor Al-Ansari Trading Enterprise under a design, build and short-term operation contract valued at about €50m ($58.1m). The plant was developed for Haya Water and commissioned in 2019 as part of the Muscat wastewater scheme.
Haya Water, the former wastewater utility, was later incorporated into NWS following a government restructuring programme.
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Oman reveals Sohar airport and Salalah Thumrait Road plans Administrator21 September 2026
Oman is planning a new passenger terminal at Sohar Airport to expand regional air connectivity and strengthen the airport’s role in the national aviation network.
According to Said Bin Hamoud Al-Maawali, Oman’s minister of transport, communications and information technology, new routes are expected to be announced before the end of the year. Potential destinations include Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Gwadar in Pakistan, and southern Iran.
The planned terminal and additional routes will give residents of northern Oman more travel options.
Al-Maawali also provided an update on the long-delayed Salalah-Thumrait truck road, saying the project will be procured through a conventional tendering model rather than a public-private partnership (PPP).
In August 2023, Oman shortlisted five of eight prequalified teams to compete for the Salalah-Thumrait truck road project, which was set to be the sultanate’s first PPP road project.
The 67-kilometre road project is specially designed for heavy vehicles.
The road is a key link in Dhofar’s transport network, connecting Thumrait with Salalah and supporting movement between the interior and the governorate’s main urban and economic centre.
READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFNuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf nuclear revival takes shape> MARKET FOCUS: Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive under fire> INDUSTRY REPORT: Gas processing takes centre stage in Mena regionTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19794881/main.jpg -
Saudi Arabia tenders Dariya-Afif road dualisation Administrator21 September 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport has launched an estimated SR1.1bn ($296m) tender for the dualisation of the Dhariya-Afif road over approximately 65 kilometres, alongside the reconstruction of sections of the existing roadway.
The bid submission deadline is 1 October.
MEED understands that the bidders include:
- Al-Ayuni Investment & Contracting (local)
- Alomaier Trading & Contracting Company (local)
- Al-Rashid Trading & Contracting Company (local)
- Al-Rawaf Contracting (local)
- Alshalawi International (local)
- Almabani (local)
- Alyamama (local)
- El-Seif Engineering Contracting (local)
- FCC Construction (Spain)
- Hassan Allam Construction (Egypt)
- Kolin Construction (Turkiye)
- Mohammed Ali Al-Swailem Group (Masco) (local)
- Saudi Pan Kingdom (Sapac) (local)
- Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting (local)
The scheme covers the construction of a dual carriageway on the Dhiba/Sakaka/Afif route.
The works include reconstructing parts of the existing road and connecting at-grade intersections in line with approved design plans and cross-sections.
The project scope also includes the construction of bridges and culverts at multiple locations, including:
- Station 935+44 with a length of 300 metres
- Station 455+56 with a length of 250 metres
- Station 335+76 with a length of 550 metres
Local firm Euro Group Engineering Consultancy is the project consultant.
The Roads General Authority is the project client.
The contract duration is 47 months from the construction start date.
According to UK analytics firm GlobalData, Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is expected to grow by 3.6% in real terms in 2026, supported by an increase in foreign direct investment and continued investment in the housing and manufacturing sectors.
The infrastructure construction sector is expected to grow by 4.3% in real terms in 2026 and to record an average annual growth rate of 5.2% from 2027 to 2030, supported by government investment in transport infrastructure projects to improve regional connectivity.
READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFNuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf nuclear revival takes shape> MARKET FOCUS: Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive under fire> INDUSTRY REPORT: Gas processing takes centre stage in Mena regionTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19790270/main.jpg -
ADES completes acquisition of Saipem’s Saudi drilling business Administrator18 September 2026
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Al-Khobar-based ADES Holding Company has completed a transaction to acquire Italian oil and gas contractor Saipem’s shallow-water drilling subsidiary based in Saudi Arabia.
Under the deal, ADES Saudi, an indirect subsidiary of Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)-listed ADES Holding, will acquire Saudi Arabian Saipem, which operates a fleet of five jack-up rigs.
The fleet includes three owned rigs – Perro Negro 7, Perro Negro 8 and Perro Negro 10 – as well as two leased rigs, Perro Negro 11 and Perro Negro 13. Four of the acquired rigs operate in Saudi Arabia, while Perro Negro 10 operates in Mexico under a charter structure and retains a valid contract in Saudi Arabia.
ADES began the transaction to acquire Saudi Arabian Saipem in June, when it was estimated to be valued at about $285m. The deal was structured on a debt-free, cash-free basis, which was to be settled entirely in cash upon closing.
Following completion, ADES operates a fleet of 128 units, comprising 88 offshore units – including 51 premium units – and 40 onshore rigs.
The transaction also marks ADES’ entry into Mexico, extending the company’s international footprint to 21 countries, and adds approximately SR3.7bn ($992.9m) in backlog as of the completion date.
The purchase of Saudi Arabian Saipem by ADES Holding follows the company’s takeover of Dubai-based, Oslo-listed Shelf Drilling in November last year, in a transaction valued at $379m. Following the completion of the cash merger, Shelf Drilling was wholly delisted from the Oslo Stock Exchange.
The combined Shelf Drilling-ADES entity has been operating as a global player in shallow-water drilling in the world’s most prolific basins, with a fleet of 83 offshore jack-ups, including 46 premium jack-ups and 40 onshore rigs. The acquisition expanded ADES Holding’ global footprint from 13 to 19 countries, allowing entry and deeper operational integration into Southeast Asia, India, West Africa, the North Sea and the broader Mediterranean.
Saudi Arabian Saipem generated revenues of SR636m ($170m) in 2025, highlighting the scale of the business being transferred.
The divestment aligns with Saipem’s broader industrial strategy of reducing exposure to mature shallow-water drilling markets and concentrating resources on deepwater and harsh-environment offshore projects, where technical complexity and barriers to entry are generally higher.
These segments have attracted growing investment in recent years as operators pursue offshore developments in regions such as the North Sea, Brazil, West Africa and the US Gulf of Mexico.
For ADES, the acquisition further expands its presence in the Middle East offshore drilling market, particularly in Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest offshore jack-up rig markets, driven by activity from Saudi Aramco.
Saipem previously said proceeds from the transaction will be used in accordance with the objectives outlined in its industrial plan. The Milan-listed company was advised on the transaction by Moelis & Company as financial adviser and Clifford Chance, together with AS&H Clifford Chance, as legal counsel.
READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFNuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf nuclear revival takes shape> MARKET FOCUS: Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive under fire> INDUSTRY REPORT: Gas processing takes centre stage in Mena regionTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19795697/main5616.jpg -
SAR tenders design review consultancy for GCC rail link Administrator18 September 2026
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Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a design management and review consultant to oversee engineering works on the GCC railway network, the latest step in advancing the long-delayed regional rail link.
The RFP was issued on 9 September, with a submission deadline of 18 October.
The tender seeks a consultant to manage, audit and verify deliverables produced by SAR's separately appointed design services consultant, rather than carry out the design itself. The tendering for the design services consultancy is currently in progress.
Construction will be tendered separately through competitive bidding once designs are approved.
The GCC railway will run for about 672 kilometres (km) inside Saudi Arabia, linking the kingdom's existing network to Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain, with four sections of about 141km, 200km, 151km and 21km, respectively.
The line is planned as a single-track, non-electrified corridor for mixed freight and passenger traffic, with a maximum axle load of 32.4 tonnes and passing loops for bidirectional working.
The appointed consultant will develop a design management and review plan covering governance, interdisciplinary coordination and stage-gate approvals, and will issue formal review and audit reports against SAR's requirements and international standards.
The scope also covers stakeholder engagement, interface management and oversight of land acquisition activity tied to the design consultant's land acquisition plan.
Key design stages are expected to take about 16 months: four months for concept design, six for preliminary design and six for issued-for-construction design, each with four weeks of contingency.
SAR has asked bidders to mobilise a core team from day one. These must include a project director, engineering and design manager, stakeholder manager and lead document controller, all based at SAR's offices, with minimum experience thresholds ranging from three years for junior operators up to 25 years, including 15 in rail, for the project director role.
GCC railway line
Under the overall plan, the railway will run from Kuwait, pass through Dammam in Saudi Arabia, reach Bahrain via a planned causeway, and continue from Dammam to Qatar, the UAE and, ultimately, Muscat via Sohar in Oman. The railway is reported to cover about 2,186km in total.
The route length within each member state is as follows:
- UAE – 684km
- Saudi Arabia – 672km
- Oman – 306km
- Qatar – 283km
- Kuwait – 145km
- Bahrain – 36km
The railway is designed for passenger trains travelling at 220 kilometres an hour (km/h) and freight trains operating at 80km/h–120km/h.
With high levels of project activity, governments in spending mode and renewed cooperation under the Al-Ula Declaration, the latest efforts to restart the GCC railway project may make more progress than previous attempts. If completed, the railway could prove transformational for a region that is globally connected but still divided by national borders.
READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFNuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf nuclear revival takes shape> MARKET FOCUS: Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive under fire> INDUSTRY REPORT: Gas processing takes centre stage in Mena regionTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19783331/main.gif