meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Top pending projects in 2024

27 December 2023

 

This report on 2024 projects also includes: Upcoming regional projects hit $270bn

$17.6bn
Neom City Development Programme

Project client: Neom

Since its launch in 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Neom has announced numerous masterplans – among them the 170-kilometre-long The Line, the partly offshore industrial city Oxagon and the Trojena mountain resort. These projects make up a large part of the $17.6bn of work currently under bid within the gigaproject.

As the $500bn gigaproject becomes a busy construction site, the construction industry has started to benefit from a sharp increase in contract awards. In 2023, Neom contract awards hit $10bn, making it a major regional market in its own right – one that is only surpassed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.

$3.6bn
The Line

Significant progress has been made on the construction of The Line. Work on The Line’s backbone infrastructure tunnels began in June 2022, when Neom awarded $2.7bn-worth of contracts for lots two and three of the scheme to a joint venture of Shibh al-Jazira Contracting, China State Construction Engineering Corporation and FCC Construction.

Another contract worth about $1.8bn for lots four and five was awarded to a team of Archirodon, Samsung Engineering and Hyundai Engineering.

Neom is prioritising the construction of the railway that forms part of the infrastructure corridor known as the Spine within its phased delivery plan. In August 2023, Neom awarded package A3 for the mountain railway tunnels on The Line to China Construction Third Engineering Bureau. The same month, Neom invited companies to bid for the $500m track works as part of the railway network programme along the spine of The Line. The contract award is expected in the first quarter of 2024.

$4.1bn
Oxagon

The Oxagon industrial city, launched in late 2021, is a 48 square-kilometre development that includes onshore elements as well as floating structures offshore. Its port, Duba Port, is being expanded to act as a key conduit for the delivery of materials into Tabuk Province. Construction at the site is now well under way, with a team of Boskalis, Besix and the local Modern Building Leaders delivering the $800m first phase of the Duba Port expansion project. In October 2023, Belgium’s Deme and Greece’s Archirodon were also awarded the $1bn contract to complete the next phase of the port.

Looking ahead, contractors have submitted bids for packages one and two of the Delta Junction tunnel project as part of the Neom Industrial City Connector at Oxagon. The scheme is likely to be awarded in early 2024 and is split into two packages covering 26.5km of tunnelling.

$3.7bn
Trojena

Neom is steadily advancing its plans to deliver several key components of Trojena, with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at the location in 2022. It recently completed the technical evaluation of the proposals for the Trojena dams, and the client and selected contractors are now negotiating the commercial aspects of the project.

In 2023, Neom engaged three contractors on an early contractor involvement basis: a consortium of the local Al-Ayuni with Turkiye-headquartered Limak; Beijing-based PowerChina; and Italy’s WeBuild. In October, Neom awarded a $1.2bn infrastructure development contract at Trojena to a joint venture of the local Al-Ayuni Investment & Contracting and Turkish Limak Holding. In August 2023, the tender was issued for the contract to construct the shell and core components of the Vault at Trojena. 

In 2023, Neom contract awards hit $10bn, making it a major market in its own right – surpassed only by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar

$7.7bn
National Renewable Energy Programme

Project client: SPPC

In November 2023, Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) kicked off the procurement process for the fifth round of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Programme, issuing the request for qualifications for a new batch of four solar power plant projects.

Saudi Arabia has publicly tendered over 6.6GW of renewable energy capacity since 2017, of which about 4.4GW, or 66 per cent of the total tendered capacity, has been for photovoltaic solar schemes. SPPC is set to procure 30 per cent of the kingdom’s target installed renewable energy capacity of 58.7GW by 2030. 

$7bn
UZ1000 Upper Zakum Expansion

Project client: Adnoc Offshore

The UZ1000 Upper Zakum expansion will increase the oil production potential of Abu Dhabi’s largest producing oil asset – the Upper Zakum offshore field – to 1.2 million barrels a day (b/d). The $7bn contract for the development of surface facilities on the project is the largest single project package currently under bid in the region. 

Bids for the work have been submitted by the UK’s Petrofac, the local Target Engineering Construction Company and Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas.

$6bn
Duwaiheen nuclear power plant

Project client: Duwaiheen Nuclear Energy Company

The $6bn first package of Saudi Arabia’s Duwaiheen nuclear power plant entails the construction of two 2,800MW nuclear reactors on behalf of the special purpose vehicle the Duwaiheen Nuclear Energy Company. In November, the deadline for the tendering process was extended to 31 December, two months later than the previous deadline. Expected bidders include China National Nuclear Corporation, France’s EDF, Korea Electric Power Corporation and Russia’s Rosatom.

$4.8bn
Dubai Metro Blue Line

Project client: Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is a $4.8bn project that will connect the existing Red and Green lines by means of an additional 30km of track, 15.5km underground and 14.5km above ground, together with 12 additional stations and the expansion of connecting stations. The scope of the contract also includes the supply of 28 driverless trains, the construction of the train depot and all associated works. The project was tendered by the Roads & Transport Authority after the project was greenlit in November 2023. Expressions of interest are being sought from three experienced international consortiums.

$4.5bn
Ruwais LNG Terminal

Project client: Adnoc Gas Processing

Adnoc Gas Processing is evaluating bids for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Ruwais, UAE, worth an estimated $4.5bn. This project involves constructing a plant that will add 9.6 million tonnes a year of liquefaction capacity and will be the first electric LNG plant in the Mena region. Bids for the projects have been submitted by South Korea’s Hyundai E&C, Japan’s JGC Corporation, the US’ McDermott, local firm NPCC, Italy’s Saipem and France’s Technip Energies.

$4bn
Al-Zour North IWPP: Phases 2 and 3

Project client: Kapp

The $4bn phases two and three of Kuwait’s Al-Zour North independent water and power project (IWPP) involve constructing a 2,700MW power plant coupled with a desalination facility with a capacity of 165 million gallons a day. The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (Kapp) is currently reviewing the prequalification documents for five potential bidders.

$4bn
North Field Production Sustainability: Phase 2

Project client: QatarEnergy LNG

The $4bn phase two, scope D of the North Field Production Sustainability project in Qatar involves the delivery of two large offshore gas compression complexes that will weigh between 25,000 and 35,000 tonnes as part of a total of 100,000 tonnes of fabrication. Bid submissions are due in December 2023, and the expectation is that both US’ McDermott and Italy’s Saipem will make bids.

 Upcoming regional projects hit $270bn 

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11381755/main.gif
John Bambridge

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Riyadh sets December deadline for Prince Mishaal Road

    20 November 2025

     

    The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has allowed contractors until 3 December to submit bids for a contract to develop Prince Mishaal Bin Abdulaziz Road Axis-Taif Road in Riyadh.

    The previous deadline was 19 November.

    The scope of work covers general road improvement works, including street upgrades, drainage works, relocation of existing utilities, dry and wet utilities, and other associated infrastructure. RCRC is investing in improving the road network in and around the kingdom's capital.

    Earlier in November, MEED reported that RCRC had begun post-tender clarifications with bidders for a contract covering upgrade works on Najm Al-Din Al-Ayoubi Road in Riyadh.

    The scope of work covers general road improvement works, including upgrades to three bridges at Al-Zahabi Road, Abdulrahman Adakhel Road and Atia Al-Saady Road.

    In February, RCRC announced plans to develop eight road projects in Riyadh at an estimated cost of more than SR8bn ($2bn).

    The projects form part of the second group in the Riyadh Ring Roads and Main Axes development programme.

    The schemes include:

    • The northern part of the Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road development project, with a length of more than 6 kilometres (km). The scope includes the development of two main intersections, the construction of three bridges and a tunnel.
    • The middle section of the Al-Thumama Road Axis development project. The scheme will cover about 10km and includes the development of five main intersections and the construction of 11 bridges and five tunnels.
    • The Imam Abdullah Bin Saud Road development project, which will stretch about 9km and includes the development of four main intersections, the construction of three bridges and two tunnels.
    • The Dirab Road development project, which will cover 9km and includes the development of two main intersections and the construction of nine bridges.
    • The Imam Muslim Road development project, which stretches 12km and includes the development of four main intersections and the construction of four bridges. The project will serve as the future extension of the Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road Axis to the south.
    • The road network development project surrounding King Abdullah Financial Centre, with a length of 20km. This includes the development of three main intersections and the construction of 19 bridges.
    • The construction of a bridge at the intersection of King Salman Road in the east with Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road in the north.
    • The first package of engineering modifications for crowded sites in Riyadh, encompassing improvements to alleviate traffic congestion during peak times.

    In August last year, RCRC confirmed it had awarded four contracts worth SR13bn ($3.46bn) as part of the first phase of the programme to develop the city’s road network.

    RCRC said the first phase will develop the axis of the main and ring roads to improve traffic movement in the city.

    Other major projects by RCRC include Riyadh Metro, Riyadh Art, Sports Boulevard, King Salman International Park and the Green Riyadh project.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15123861/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Riyadh advances with rail link prequalifications

    20 November 2025

     

    Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is expected to begin the second stage of the prequalification process for a contract covering the construction of a new railway line, known as the Riyadh Rail Link, which will run from the north to the south of Riyadh.

    MEED understands that the consortiums need to propose self-funded financing arrangements for the project as part of the new round of prequalifications.

    Contractors submitted their initial prequalification documents earlier this month.

    The scope of work includes constructing a 35-kilometre-long double-track railway line connecting SAR’s North-South Railway to the Eastern Railway network.

    The contract also covers the procurement, construction and installation of associated infrastructure such as viaducts, civil works, utility installations, signalling systems and other related works.

    The project is expected to form a key component of the Saudi Landbridge railway.

    The Saudi Landbridge is an estimated $7bn project comprising more than 1,500km of new track. Its core component is a 900km new railway between Riyadh and Jeddah, which will provide direct freight access to the capital from King Abdullah Port on the Red Sea.

    Other key sections include upgrades to the existing Riyadh-Dammam line and a link between King Abdullah Port and Yanbu.

    The start of tendering activity for the Riyadh Rail Link project makes the construction of the Saudi Landbridge more likely. 

    The project is one of the kingdom’s most anticipated infrastructure programmes. Plans to develop it were first announced in 2004, but the project was put on hold in 2010 before being revived a year later.

    Key stumbling blocks were rights-of-way issues, route alignment and its high cost.

    In December 2023, MEED reported that a team of US-based Hill International, Italy’s Italferr and Spain’s Sener had been awarded the contract to provide project management services for the programme.

    If it proceeds, the Landbridge will be one of the largest railway projects ever undertaken in the Middle East – and among the biggest globally.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15123411/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Local contractor bids low for $629m Kuwait oil project

    20 November 2025

    Kuwait-based Mechanical Engineering & Contracting Company (MECC) has submitted the lowest bid on a contract to develop oil and gas facilities at the Sabriya and Bahra oil fields.

    The scope of the project is focused on developing a water separation facility next to Gathering Centre 23 (GC-23) and GC-24.

    It also includes developing an injection facility at GC-31.

    The full list of bidders for the project is:

    • Mechanical Engineering & Contracting Company (MECC) – KD193m ($629m)
    • Spetco – KD229m
    • Alghanim International – KD239m

    The tender was issued on 15 December 2024, with an initial bid submission deadline of 16 March 2025.

    The bid deadline was extended more than 10 times before prices were submitted.

    The client on the project is state-owned upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).

    The scope of the project includes:

    • Installation of a high-integrity pressure protection system
    • Installation of chemical injection systems
    • Installation of effluent water transfer pumps
    • Installation of a low-pressure (LP) gas pipeline from the new LP gas knockout drum (KOD) to existing LP separator gas crude accumulator (inside GC-23 & 24)
    • Installation of interconnecting piping, instrumentation, electrical and civil works
    • Installation of a new oil recovery system with pumps, flowmeter and analyser
    • Installation of the substation and its equipment/systems
    • Installation of tie-ins for process and utilities from/to existing GC-30 to new injection facility
    • Installation of sludge collection, treatment and disposal system
    • Associated facilities

    Kuwait is trying to boost project activity in its upstream sector.

    The country’s national oil company, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, aims to increase oil production capacity to 4 million barrels a day (b/d) by 2035.

    In August, Kuwait announced that it was producing 3.2 million b/d.

    Earlier this month, KOC said it was planning to spend KD1.2bn ($3.92bn) on its exploration drilling programme through 2030.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15120909/main.png
    Wil Crisp
  • Oman’s Marafiq retenders Duqm desalination plant

    20 November 2025

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Oman-based Central Utilities Company (Marafiq) has reissued the main contract tender for its planned seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant in Duqm.

    The revised submission deadline is 25 November.

    The project has an estimated budget of $100m and will supply industrial water and support wastewater services in the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

    The scheme involves building a seawater RO plant, an intake system, pre-treatment facilities, pumping stations, metering stations, pipelines and associated infrastructure.

    Marafiq is developing the project in its capacity as the authorised utilities provider for the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

    The company intends to develop a plant with a capacity of 45 million litres a day to serve industrial customers, including a planned hot-briquetted iron (HBI) facility proposed by an international steel manufacturer at Duqm Port. 

    Spain’s Cobra Group and Oman’s Global Chemicals & Maintenance System were previously prequalified to bid for the engineering, procurement and construction contract.

    The main contract was initially tendered in December 2024, with the bid submission deadline in February. 

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15116821/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Wood Group wins Iraq oil contract

    20 November 2025

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Aberdeen-based Wood Group has won a contract to deliver project management and engineering services for PetroChina at the West Qurna-1 oil field in southern Iraq, according to a statement from the company.

    Under the terms of the contract, Wood will manage engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects at the field. 

    Located approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Basra, West Qurna-1 holds more than 20 billion barrels of recoverable reserves.

    Ellis Renforth, Wood’s president of operations for the Europe, Africa and Middle East region, said: “This contract award deepens our decade-long partnership at West Qurna-1 and reflects the continued trust placed in Wood to deliver complex energy solutions in Iraq. 

    “We’re proud to combine our global expertise with a strong local workforce to help support Iraq’s energy ambitions.”

    The contract will be delivered by nearly 200 Wood employees based in Iraq and the UAE, the company said.

    On 17 November, in a vote, 88% of Wood Group’s shareholders backed the company’s takeover by Dubai-based Sidara.

    The vote came after months of delay, while Wood struggled to agree its accounts with its auditor.

    The company’s accounts were eventually published on 30 October, showing a pre-tax loss of more than £2bn and evidence that the auditor was still not satisfied with the figures going back several years.

    Wood Group accepted a $292m conditional takeover bid from Sidara in August.

    As of February, Wood Group employed 35,000 people across about 60 countries, many in consulting and engineering roles.

    In the Middle East, the company has project contracts in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where it has opened its third office in Sharjah.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/15122155/main.png
    Wil Crisp