Bahrain has awarded a total of 1,022 tenders in the first nine months worth $2.7 billion, according to new data released by Bahrain’s Tender Board – the country’s government procurement regulator.

In terms of value of contracts, the oil sector took the lion’s share awarding 134 tenders worth $733.8 million, followed by the construction and engineering industry, with  162 tenders worth a combined $704.8 million – clearly underscoring the government’s continued commitment to its extensive pipeline of major infrastructure projects, currently valued at some $32 billion.

The construction and engineering sector was followed by the aviation sector, the materials and equipment segment, and finally the services sector, which saw a total of $501.3 million, $471.5 million and $256.1 million worth of tenders awarded respectively.

In terms of value of contracts, the services sector was awarded the highest number of contracts, at 361.

Commenting on the new figures, Tender Board Chairman Shaikh Nayef bin Khalid Al Khalifa said: “Despite the ongoing global economic challenges, the first nine months have seen Bahrain award more than 1,000 contracts valued at well over $2 billion to businesses in all sectors across the board.”

“This robust performance is indicative of Bahrain’s commitment and ability to remain open for business even in times of crisis. Of particular note is the consistently high value of contracts in the kingdom’s thriving construction and engineering sector, testament to the rich opportunity on offer owing to our multi-billion-dollar pipeline of projects there,” he stated.