Bahrain
Bahrain Qatar Transrapid Train
Owner: Qatar Government – Bahrain Government
Budget: $3 billion

Scope of work: The project calls for design, supply, construction and operation of a Transrapid magnetic levitation fast-track train between Bahrain and Doha in Qatar. The proposed super-train will travel at 500 kmph for about 40 km between the two ends. Later, the project could be part of an 800 km corridor linking Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. The train will use non-contact electromagnetic levitation, hence it will hover, not roll. It will have no wheels, axles or transmissions. Alternatively, the track is proposed to run on the planned Qatar-Bahrain causeway, which will extend from Askar Village in Bahrain to Ras Ashiraj in Qatar.
Update: No specific date or budget has been set for the project, as it is still in early planning phase.

Bahrain Investment Wharf in Hidd (BIW) – Masterplan
Owner: Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer)
Budget: $1.3 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the construction of an industrial zone, logistic park, office park, labour accommodation and retail facilities on a 170 hectare (1.7 million sq m) area along the coast at Hidd. The scope of work also includes the dredging of 6 million cu m of material and other infrastructure work. The development will include: An Industrial Park, spread over an approximate area of 800,000 sq m; a Logistics Park covering area of 190,000 sq m; an  Accommodation Park over an approximate area of 70,000 sq m; a Business Park is spread over an area of 320,000 sq m and associated services over an area of 320,000 sq m.
Update: According to sources close to the project, ground-breaking for infrastructure was delayed as a result of some approvals from the government that was not attained on time. Infrastructure development work will start in the first quarter of 2008.

Bahrain Monorail Project
Owner: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI)
Budget: $450 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a monorail network that could link the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. There are plans to expand the network to include all six GCC countries at a later stage.
Update: It is understood that the project will be divided into three phases to start by 2011 and the last phase to be completed by 2030. Systra-MVA has been appointed to carry out the required strategy to have the system in place.

Bahrain Financial Harbour – Phase 2 – Harbour Tower; Southern Residential Complex; Harbour Row; Dhow Harbour & Hotel
Owner: Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company (BFH)
Budget: $300 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of Harbour Tower, Southern Residential Complex, Harbour Row, Dhow Harbour and Hotel on reclaimed area of the second phase.
Update: Sources indicate that Emaar Bahrain has bought a majority stake in the development.

Alargan – Saar Gate Residential Development – Buildings
Owner: Alargan International Real Estate Company
Budget: $184 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a residential development on a 54,773 sq m plot in the Saar district. It has two major components: 1) Three three-storey and three five-storeys buildings with a total of at least 220 apartments; and 2) 102 villas The development will be carried out in three packages: Package 1 – villas, Package 2 – buildings and Package 3 – roads and infrastructure. The development will also have landscaping and commercial outlets.
Update: Construction has started on the development.

Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort – Downtown Al Areen
Owner: Gulf Holding Company
Budget: $360 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a combination of commercial and residential facilities. It will include restaurants, cafes, high-end retail shops, public gardens involving a development area of 261,446 sq m.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, Gulf Holding Company has awarded the development to Ahmed Mansor Al Ali for $216 million.

Amwaj Gateway
Owner: Amwaj Gateway Company
Budget: $183 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a mixed-use development consisting of six buildings on a 360,000 sq ft plot at the Amwaj Islands off the coast of Muharraq. Four of the buildings - 20 storeys each - will comprise 300 residential apartments and 94 townhouses in total. The other two buildings - also having 20 storeys - will offer hotels with144 rooms in total. The hotels will also include restaurants, commercial outlets, swimming pools, gymnasiums and a private beach.
Update: Sources indicate that Amwaj Gateway Company is following a global standard for environment-friendly ‘Green Buildings’.

Durrat Al Bahrain – Marina Resort
Owner: Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company
Budget: $180 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a state-of-art resort which will include 142 villas, buildings that will vary between three and 30 floors, 200 residential units and a 400-berth marina, which the focal point of the development, water sports, restaurants and cafes. The marina resort will be located to the east of golf club covering an area of 600,000 sq m.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, construction is expected to start in August 2008.

Diplomat Commercial Office Tower
Owner: National Hotels Company (NHC) Bahrain
Budget: $70 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the construction of a new twin office tower at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The development will include two 30-storey office towers that will be joined together by a lift above seventh-floor and car parking area for 650 vehicles. The total built-up area will be 75,000 sq m.
Update: Sources indicate that the design work has been completed. Construction was due to start in mid-January 2008.

Kuwait
Kuwait Metro
Owner: Kuwait Ministry of Public Works (MPW)
Budget: $7 billion
Scope of work: The project involves the construction of four metro lines. The metro will be linked to the new national rail network. Some 35 per cent of the network will have to be underground.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, Ingenieria & Consultoria de Transporte (Ineco) is expected to complete a feasibility study by the end of January 2008.

The Avenue Shopping Mall – Phase 4
Owner: Mabani
Budget: $500 million
Scope of work: The project calls for design and construction of a state-of-the-art business centre, four-star hotel, office space, a convention centre and a theatre near Shuwaikh Industrial Area.
Update: It is understood that the development is still under design.

Bayan Conference Hall
Owner: Kuwait Ministry of Public Works (MPW)
Budget: $100 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of new conference halls at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City.
Update: Sources indicate that, Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works has invited four local contractors to submit bids by 23 January for a major contract to design, build and maintain new conference halls at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City.

Oman
Omagine Project
Owner: Alfa International Holdings Corp.
Budget: $1.6 billion
Scope of work: The Omagine project is proposed to be developed on 1.2 million sq m of beachfront land facing the Gulf of Oman, west of Muscat and near Seeb International Airport. It is planned to be an integration of cultural, heritage, educational, entertainment and residential components, including: 1) High-culture theme parks containing seven pearl-shaped buildings, each about 60 ft in diameter (Pearls) and associated exhibition buildings; 2) Five-star resort hotel. 3) Four-star hotel; 4) A boardwalk; 5) Open-air amphitheatre and stage; 6) Canal and enclosed harbour; 7) Boat slips. 8) Commercial office buildings; 9) Shopping and retail establishments. 10) restaurants and open space green areas. The project also includes the construction of approximately 3,300 residences consisting of a combination of villas, townhouses, 450 serviced apartments and 150 staff housing apartments.
Update: Sources indicate that Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) has been appointed the main contractor on the development. CCC will be responsible for all construction activities for the Omagine Project.

Hotels Development in Muscat – Hotel 1
Owner: Oman Tourism Development Company
Budget: $650 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a 350-rooms hotel in Muscat with an area of 5,000 sq m. The scope of work also includes restaurants, cafes, shops, car parking area and other related leisure and entertainment facilities. The development is located opposite the Seeb International Airport.
Update: According to sources close to the project, architectural work and project management consultancy contracts have still to be awarded.

Hotels Development in Muscat – Hotel 2
Owner: Oman Tourism Development Company
Budget: $650 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a 300-room hotel in Muscat covering an area of 5,000 sq m. The scope of work also includes restaurants, cafes, shops, car parking area and other related leisure and entertainment facilities. The development is located opposite to the Seeb International Airport.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, architectural work and project management consultancy contracts have still to be awarded.

Hotels Development in Muscat – Hotel 3
Owner: Oman Tourism Development Company
Budget: $650 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a 250-room hotel in Muscat covering an area of 5,000 sq m. The scope of work also includes restaurants, cafes, shops, car parking area and other related leisure and entertainments facilities. The development is located opposite to the Seeb International Airport.
Update: According to sources close to the project, architectural work and project management consultancy contracts have still to be awarded.

Hotels Development in Muscat – Hotel 4
Owner: Oman Tourism Development Company
Budget: $650 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a 200-room hotel in Muscat covering an area of 5,000 sq m. The scope of work also includes restaurants, cafes, shops, car parking area and other related leisure and entertainments facilities. The development is located opposite to the Seeb International Airport.
Update: According to sources close to the project, architectural work and project management consultancy contracts have still to be awarded.

Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat
Owner: Oman Tourism Development Company
Budget: $500 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of convention and exhibition centre, including a 7,000-seat auditorium, in Muscat covering an area of 120,000 sq m. The scope of work also includes landscaping, shopping outlets and other related leisure and entertainments facilities.
Update: According to sources close to the project, Geo-Resources Consultancy has been appointed as the environmental consultant on the development. Architectural work and project management consultancy contracts have still to be awarded.

Ras Al Hadd Resort – Masterplan
Owner: Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company
Budget: $300 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a 2 million sq m mixed-use development in Ras Al Hadd in Sur. The scope of work will include five-star and four-star hotels, holiday chalets, 150 residential villas, a marina, a coastal entertainments and sports club, restaurants, cafes and traditional mart.
Update: According to sources close to the project, design will take another month to be completed. Tender document will be issued in February 2008.

Duqm Port – Ship Repair Yard & Dry Dock
Owner: Oman Ministry of National Economy
Budget: $200 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of two 410-m-long docks to repair and maintain oil and gas tankers of 100,000-tonnes capacity at the Duqm port. The dry dock will cover 1.1 million sq m. The scope of work also includes construction of 2.8 km of quay wall, a cofferdam, crane foundations, lay-down areas, workshops, and accommodation and office buildings.
Update: Sources indicated that bids were submitted and China Harbour Engineering Company is the lowest bidder for the project - two prices were offered, the first was ($443 million) and the second one ($439 million).

Hasik-Shuwaymiyah Highway
Owner: Oman Ministry of Transport and Communications
Budget: $178 million
Scope of work: The project calls for design and construction of a 94-km long road along the southeast coast of the sultanate. It will provide an alternative route between Muscat and Salalah.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, construction has just started on the development.

Dakhiliyah Central Prison in Sumail Town
Owner: Oman Government
Budget: $140 million
Scope of work: The project calls for design and construction of three zones covering an area of 600,000 sq m The prison is built in an open area in Sumail, 12 km from Luzugh filling station on Sur-Bid Bid road.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, construction work will complete in April 2008.

Muscat Golf and Country Club – Golf Course – Villas
Owner: Oman Ministry of Tourism
Budget: $110 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of 80 villas at Muscat Golf and Country Club development. The scope of work also includes related building services, HV/LV (high and low voltage) installations, external services, roads and culverts and perimeter fencing.
Update: Sources indicate that Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) has been awarded the main contract. The project completion period is 21 months.

Qatar
New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Project – Phase 2 – Catering Facility
Owner: New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Steering Committee
Budget: $370 million
Scope of work: The package involves the construction of a catering facility at the new Doha International Airport.
Update: Sources indicate that construction has started on the development.

New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Project – Phase 3
Owner: New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Steering Committee
Budget: $250 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of the north node, a two-track people-moving system, a commercial area, parts of the two legs that will form concourses D and E and extending the terminal building to cover a total area of 416,000 sq m.
Update: Sources indicate that, the initial cost of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA) has increased from $5.5 billion to $11 billion. The rise in budget has been attributed to increase of the price of the construction material.

New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Project – Phase 1 – Airside & Landside Facilities
Owner: New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Steering Committee
Budget: $200 million
Scope of work: The package will involve the design, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of 645,000 sq m of roads and 28,500 sq m of bridges and ramps, three twin-level semi-directional interchanges and ramps and parking area facilities. It will also include aspects like street and area lighting, stormwater drainage, traffic signals and road stripping, marking and signage and fencing and intruder detection systems.
Update: It is understood that construction work will be completed by the end of 2008.

Al-Khor Housing Project – Main Package
Owner: Qatar Petroleum (QP)
Budget: $190 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a huge residential project at Al Khor area, which includes 2,000 small villa and infrastructure work.
Update: It is understood that detailed masterplan is currently in progress.

SME Industrial Area – Phase 2
Owner: Qatar Ministry of Energy & Industry
Budget: $185 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of phase II of SME Industrial Area dedicated to small and medium-scale enterprises. The development of Phase II will involve all necessary infrastructure like demolishing existing structures, site preparation for the construction of roads and services for the total site, spanning an area of about 4.35 million sq m, roadworks including excavation, construction of sub-grade, installation of sub-base course,  curbs, asphalt laying, traffic marking and signs, storm water drainage works supply, installation of pipe networks, manholes, reservoirs, pumping station, instrumentation, control systems, irrigation and landscaping works. Electrical works comprising cabling and sub-stations in addition to street lighting.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, an electrical subcontractor is still to be appointed. For the readymix concrete, the main contractor has decided to bring blenders on site for the concrete needed for the project.

Navigation Tower in Doha
Owner: Qatar Navigation
Budget: $110 million
Scope of work: The project will involve the construction of a 220-m-high, 52-storey tower comprising office space with a total built-up area of 116,700 sq m. Situated in Doha and being built on a 13,500 sq m plot, the development will also include a six-storey car-park with a capacity to accommodate 1,700 vehicles.
Update:  According to the sources close to the project, construction of the main superstructure has been completed. Finishing work is expected to complete in 10 to 11 months.

Ashghal – School Development Project – Phase 1 – Package 3
Owner: Qatar Public Works Authority (PWA) (Ashghal)
Budget: $100 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of seven new schools in Doha and the surrounding villages. Each school will comprise a two-storey building, 25 classrooms, laboratories, a language room, administrative blocks, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, cafeteria, auditorium and library. The total built-up area of each school, which will accommodate 750 students, will be 10,000 sq m.
Update:  According to sources close to the project, main contractor is still to be awarded.

Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah Economic City
Owner: Emaar Economic City Company
Budget: $120 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for building an integrated city with a development area of 168 sq km along the Red Sea between Jeddah and Rabigh. The development includes: 1) A seaport: 13.8 million sq m area with a capacity to handle 300,000 pilgrims; 2) Industrial district: 63 million sq m area. Phase 1: 6.24 million sq m; 3) Financial Island: 5 million sq m. Class A, offices: 60,000 sq m. Convention centres: 125-storeys tower and hotels: 1,200 hotel rooms; 4) Resorts: 4.05 million sq m resort property, an 18-hole golf course, 3,000 tourist units, up to 150-room boutique hotels, up to 400-room holiday hotels and up to 600-room resort hotels, 5) Residential: 750,000 residents, 350,000 sq m shopping outlets and a 540-berth marina, 6) Educational Zone and 7) International airport.
Update: Sources indicated that sales operations are ongoing on Bylasan Village residentail units.

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Mousaed Economic City in Hail
Owner: Prince Abdulaziz Bin Mousaed Economic City
Budget: $53 billion
Scope of work: The development is divided into: 1) A logistic Centre for 75,000 tonnes per annum of cargo; 2) Airport on 8.74 million sq m for 3.1 million passengers and 130,000 tonnes of cargo in 10 years of operation; 3) Dry Port on 210,000 sq m for 1.5 million tonnes of cargo in 10 years of operation; 4) Passenger station for 3.2 million passengers in 10 years of operation; 5) Agricultural Centre; 6) Entertainment Zone for 700,000 tourists per annum; 7) Mining City, 8) Petrochemical Zone; 9) Business Centre; 10) Educational Zone on more than 10 sq km for 40,000 students in four years of operation, 11) Residential Zone of 3,000 commercial units and 30,000 residential units for 80,000 residents; and 12) Infrastructure: power, water, drainage etc
Update: Approval has been received from the General Investment Authority to start with the final design draft of the Prince AbdulAziz Bin Musaed Economic City in Hail including an overview of the distribution of activities in different areas of the city.

Al Wasl Development in Riyadh
Owner: Limitless
Budget: $12 billion
Scope of work: Al Wasl. the first of several projects planned by Limitless in Saudi Arabia, will be developed on a 1,411 hectare (14 million sq m) site north of Riyadh. Designed to reflect and complement the natural environment of the nearby Wadi Hanifa, Al Wasl will comprise a number of inter-connected districts. It will include: 1) more than 60,000 homes – a mixture of villas, townhouses and apartments, 2) Over 300 hectares of green, open space, 3) 1 million sq m of office space, 4) Three large mosques, each accommodating up to 2,000 people and more than 2,000 hotel rooms, 5) Seven shopping centres, including a world-class mall, with a total of 270,000 sq m of retail facilities, 6) Schools and a university, 7) A hospital and 8) A sports stadium.
Update: Al Wasl is expected to break ground in mid-2008 with phased construction over seven years.

SRO – Makkah-Madinah Railway
Owner: Saudi Railways Organization (SRO)
Budget: $6 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the development of a rail network linking the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, passing through the Western port cities of Jeddah and Rabigh. It will be given on the design, build, and operate for 50 years and transfer (DBOT) basis. The scheme will have six stations: 1) Near the Holy Mosque in Makkah, 2) Makkah outskirts, 3) Jeddah airport, 4) Jeddah city centre, 5) Rabigh and 6) Madinah, three km from the Holy Mosque. 100 trains a day will run on the line. The railway will be primarily geared towards passenger service catering to approximately 2.5 million pilgrims during the Haj period and 7.5 million Umrah visitors during the year. The concessionaire is responsible for the design, financing, construction and operation and will have the freedom to adopt suitable design and construction techniques. The development also includes the setup of signalling and control systems.
Update: Sources close to the project indicated that bids are due submission by March 2008. The project will take four years to complete.

Jabal Omar Development – Masterplan
Owner: Jabal Omar Development Company
Budget: $3.055 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for design and construction of 39 buildings including residential towers, office tower, a four-level commercial centre and six five-star hotels inspired by the eastern architectural heritage covering an area of 230,000 sq m in which 103,000 sq m is provisioned to expand the streets of Umm Al Qura, Ibrahim Khalil and Dahla Al Rushd. The project also includes the construction of an underground tunnel in Ibrahim Khalil Street, 30-m wide pedestrian lanes from the end of King Abdul Aziz through Harm Al Mekki also another five pedestrian lanes to facilitate movement in the city. The project will have 4,500 shops, 3,000 showrooms, central transport station, parking facility for 30,000 vehicles, new roads, pathways, tunnels, escalators, and other facilities. The residential area is planned to accommodate 34,500 people, open prayer space for 85,000 worshippers and prayer areas in each tower with a capacity of more of the 200,000 worshippers.
Update: Sources indicate that Saudi Oger and Binladin group has been awarded the construction of the whole project including design, permits and construction of infrastructure, towers, open areas and tunnels. Construction work is to be completed in not more three years.

King Abdullah Economic City – Red Sea Village (Bylasan Village ) – 1040 Residential Units
Owner: Emaar Economic City Company
Budget: $3 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of 1,040 residential units in the Red Sea Village district in Rabigh.
Update: Sources indicated that sales operations are ongoing on Bylasan Village residentail units.

Riyadh Marriland Leisure Park Project
Owner: Grand Real Estate Projects Company
Budget: $3 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for design and construction of a leisure park, located 38 km the northwest of Riyadh at Shaiab Al-Hissiyah Area, adjacent to King Abdul Aziz Military College and King Khalid International Airport. The project will include Animal World, Equestrian Centre, Gardens World, Family Entertainment World, Scientific and Historical Museum, Sand Dune Hotel, as well as an Ecological Resort, Sandstone Villas, Camping World, Shooting Zone, golf course, retail park, hi-tech park, nature reserve, hunting zone, exhibition centre, Diplomat Area with chalets, man-made lagoon, bachelors entertainment zone, four- and five-star, Media Village and Desert Safari area.
Update: Sources close to the project indicate that the project is under design.

Riyadh Technology Valley – Masterplan
Owner: King Saud University
Budget: $3 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for design, build and operation of an investment development at King Saudi University to convert research into valuable products. The development mainly includes advanced laboratories and office buildings for investors who are interested in scientific research. It will cover 1.25 million sq m in the north east side of the university. Similar to an economic city, it will have all necessary infrastructure and facilities and includes five major areas: 1) University: the area that handles business, research and intellectual property services, in addition to the laboratories to serve the local market and business centres, 2) Research and development areas: research institutes affiliated to governmental and private bodies and specialised research centres, 3) Technology companies: for commercial companies specialised in Riyadh Technology Valley fields of research, 4) Scientific area: residential and recreational area and 5) Central area: that includes incubators and service offices.
Update: Sources close to the project indicated that Kind Saud University has signed a contract with Stanford Research Institute to develop the economic feasibility study and deliver consultancy services to the project. $1.2 million has been assigned to the first.

Mixed-use Development in Jeddah
Owner: Gulf Holding Company
Budget: $2 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a mixed-use development in Jeddah.
Update: Sources indicate that a study is in final stage.

Conference Centre in Jeddah
Owner: Royal Protocol
Budget: $1.5 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a new conference centre in Jeddah with a total built-up area of 150,000 sq m. The development will also include extensive renovation work to the existing palace and construction of a presidential guesthouse.
Update: Sources indicate that Saudi Oger is carrying out construction work.

King Khalid University (KKU) City in Abha – Phase 1 
Owner: King Khalid University (KKU)
Budget: $800 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of Phase 1 of a new university city in Abha which includes 19 projects for men and women involving a total built-up area of 600,000 sq m. The university, which will be able to accommodate 50,000 students, includes the construction of 1) College of Shareia and Usoul Aldein, 2) College of Literature, 3) College of Education, 4) College of Language and Translation, 5) College of Administration Science, 6) College of Science, 7) College of Computer Science, 8) College of Engineering, 9) Shared classrooms and commercial facilities, 10) Shared laboratories and commercial areas, 11) English Language Centre, 12) Central Library, 13) Support Deanships, 14) College of Shareia and Usoul Aldein – (women), 15) College of Literature – (women), 16) College of Education – (women), 17) College of Computer Science – (women), 18) College of Language &Translation (women), 19) Masterplan and landscape.
Update: Sources indicate the infrastructure work is nearly completed and the project will be awarded to a Chinese company in February 2008.The construction work of Phase 1 will take 30 months to complete, the whole university will be completed in five to six years.

Andalusia Project in Jeddah
Owner: Kinan International Real Estate Development Company (Modern Marafiq)
Budget: $560 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of two mixed-use towers at the intersection of King Abdullah and Al Andalus streets in Jeddah. It will contain 124,000 sq m of office space, 74,000 sq ft of residential apartments, a 35,000 sq ft of five-star hotel, 34,000 sq ft shopping mall and a rooftop garden of 16,000 sq m and a 4,000-slot car parking facility.
Update: Sources close to the project indicated that bids are under evaluation. An award was to be announced in January 2008.

King Khalid University (KKU) City in Abha – 16 Colleges for Women
Owner: King Khalid University (KKU)
Budget: $525 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a new university city in Abha which includes 16 colleges for girls with a total built-up area of 480,000 sq m. The development will include administration buildings, faculty buildings, student accommodation and facilities, laboratories, workshops and conference halls. The scope of work also includes construction of colleges for Religious Sciences, Education, Arts, Languages, and Computer Science. The university will be able to accommodate 50,000 students.
Update: Sources indicate that the infrastructure work is nearly completed and the project will be awarded to a Chinese company in February 2008.

Al Rajhi Tower in Riyadh
Owner: Saleh Bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Business Management Board
Budget: $500 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a 352-m-high building that will comprise offices, retail outlets and a seven-star hotel. The 50-storey tower will include a two-level shopping mall  with 36,000 sq m of retail facilities and 30,000 sq m of VIP offices over four levels. It will also have a helicopter landing area, a mosque, 42,000 sq m of surrounding gardens, roads and facilities. It is located in King Fahd Street in Riyadh, north of the ministry of municipal affairs.
Update: The consultant is directly handling bidding process on behalf of the owner. Main contractor was expected to be selected in January 2008.

Business Park in Riyadh
Owner: Saleh Bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Business Management Board
Budget: $400 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of seven commercial towers, ranging from 15 to 26 storeys each. It will cover an area of 40,000 sq m on King Fahd road and Olaya street. The scope of work also includes a convention centre, business hotel and show rooms.
Update: Sources close to the project indicated that bids from architects are under evaluation.

Two Mixed-use Towers in Jeddah
Owner: KM Properties – Saudi Arabia
Budget: $300 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of two mixed-use towers in Jeddah. Each tower will include 30 storeys.
Update: Sources indicate that tender document for the main contract was expected to be issued in January 2008.

United Arab Emirates
The Palm Deira – Masterplan
Owner: Nakheel
Budget: $40 billion
Scope of work: The project will involve the construction of a mixed-use city including residential, commercial and leisure facilities which will cover an area of 46 million sq m and accommodate more than one million residents. It will stretch 12.5 km into the sea, and will be 7.5 km wide. Dredging and reclamation of 1.14 billion cu m of material will be done on the island. the development will be comprise nine interconnected areas: Palm Crown, Palm fronds, Palm Crescent, Palm Trunk which will have the shape of the palm tree and five areas : North Island, South Island, Central Island, Al Mamzar Island and Deira Island. It will be handled in two phases. Phase one, Deira Extension, will cover 511 hectares. The second phase is called The Palm Deira.
Update: Source indicated that Bel Hasa Six Construct has been awarded the main contract for the Palm Deira bridge.

Mixed-use Real Estate Community – Abu Dhabi – Masterplan
Owner: Burooj Properties
Budget: $24 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a mixed-use community located in Abu Dhabi. It will include of 11 multi-storey residential buildings, office towers, four hotels and a shopping mall.
Update: Burooj Properties launched the project as one of number  of developments to be announced in 2008 and 2009.

Ajman International Airport
Owner: Ajman Government
Budget: $3.27 billion
Scope of work: The project will involve the construction of the 6 million sq m Ajman International Airport located at the Al Zawra area. The scope of work will include runways, aprons, roads and utilities. The first phase of the project will consist of the main terminal buildings for arrivals and departures, runway, cargo complex aviation school, airplanes maintenance workshops, free zone and a commercial area of 90 towers.
Update: Wiggins Group has signed the build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract to construct the terminal and allied infrastructure.

Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone (formerly Mina Zayed Port) – Phase 1
Owner: Committee for the Restructuring of the Abu Dhabi Port Sector
Budget: $2.18 billion
Scope of work: The project will involve the construction of a new port and industrial area with a total development area of 100 sq km situated at Taweelah, on the coastline between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The aim of the project will be to relocate the former Mina Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi which is currently operating in a very congested area. It will include a container handling terminal for raw and bulk cargo as well as piers. The industrial area will serve basic and heavy industries.
Update: Source indicated that Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has signed an agreement with National Bank of Abu Dhabi to finance the project.

Sahara Centre Expansion (Sahara City)
Owner: Al Nahda Real Estate
Budget:  $1.1 billion
Scope of work: The project involves the expansion of the existing Sahara Centre by 60 per cent to 1.8 million sq ft as well as the construction of seven new towers ranging from 27 to 33 floors, offering nearly half a million sq ft of new office space, 23 floors dedicated for parking and a 27-storey hotel tower offering 258 serviced suites and three new residential towers including the West Gate Twin Tower and the North Gate Tower. The 34-storey West Gate Twin Towers will offer 14 levels of office space and 20 levels of residential units as well as featuring a multi-storey car parking facility with 1,000 parking bays. The North Gate Tower will contain an additional 220 apartments and a multi-storey car parking facility for the mall. The new project will be known as the ‘Sahara City’ and is set to be the largest project carried out in the Sharjah Emirate over the next five years.
Update: According to sources close to the project, the project is being re-tendered. The main contract is scheduled to be awarded by the end of February 2008.

Al Ghadeer – Abu Dhabi – Masterplan
Owner: Sorouh Real Estate Company
Budget:  $1 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a major new 3 million sq m mixed-use development located at Saih as Sidirah on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border. It will involve recreational facilities such as retail outlets and hotels, outdoor sporting facilities, restaurants and cafes as well as three schools.
Update: Sorouh Real Estate Company has appointed the joint venture of Parsons Corporation and Mouchel Parkman as the design consultant on the infrastructure work.

Al-Suwwa Island Development – Phase 1
Owner: Abu Dhabi Government
Budget:  $1 billion
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of Phase 1 of the development which will have villas and seven high-rise buildings.
Update: Working on installation of the site offices and campus has started.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Redevelopment Scheme – DWTC Complex – Phase 1
Owner: Dubai World Trade Centre
Budget:  $1 billion
Scope of work: The project will involve the development of a 130,000 sq m mixed-use complex that will form a part of the Dubai World Trade Centre Redevelopment scheme.
Update: Sources indicate that construction work has started.

Saraya Abu Dhabi – Masterplan
Owner: Sorouh Real Estate Company
Budget:  $954 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the construction of a mixed-use development on Abu Dhabi Island, located on the eastern stretch of the Corniche Hospital, overlooking Lulu Island. It will involve the construction of 28 commercial and residential towers with a height of 10 to 40 storeys as well as a hotel with serviced apartments involving a development area of around 125,000 sq m.
Update: Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) has been awarded a contract for the infrastructure package for Saraya development.

Burj Dubai Development – Main Tower Building
Owner: Emaar Properties
Budget:  $875 million
Scope of work: The scope of work includes the construction of a 705-m high, 189-storey building, which will be the tallest building in the world, offering residential apartments, offices and a hotel. Hotel facilities will occupy the first 37 floors. Residential apartments will be located from floor 45 to 100 while office facilities will occupy floor from 112 to 189. The Giorgio Armani hotel, which will be located within the main tower building, will have a built-up area of 40,000 sq m and will comprise of 175 rooms, suites as well as 160 luxury apartments, restaurants and a spa.
Update: According to the sources close to the project, the tower is now at 598.5 m height (level 158). Installation of aluminium and glass exterior is ongoing at 58 floors.

Mafraq-Ghuweifat Road Scheme Project – Border Road – Abu Dhabi
Owner: Abu Dhabi Works Department
Budget:  $817 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of 350-km road and a number of interchanges, including a major intersection at Ruwais.
Update: Sources indicate that the Abu Dhabi Municipality had invited companies to pre-qualify by January 10.

Lam Tara Tower Development – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai
Owner: Bin Manana Investment Group
Budget:  $700 million
Scope of work: The project involves the construction of two 100-storey towers which will form the centrepiece of Sheikh Zayed Road development. The towers will be at least 500-m tall, although the official height is still unavailable,  They will provide offices, residential apartments and four level basements facilities.
Update: Sources indicate that the Bin Manana Investment Group has invited companies to bid by the end of February 2008 for the main construction package.

Al-Reem Island Development (Abu Shuoom Island Development – Emirates Pearl) – Shams – First Abu Dhabi
Owner: Mayadeen Gulf Estate
Budget:  $550 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of five towers that range 50 to 53 storeys in height together with two smaller mixed-use blocks in two separate adjacent sites with a combined built-up area of 383,000 sq m. Primarily residential in nature, the towers will have almost 2,000 flats. The project will have first major automated parking system in Abu Dhabi.
Update: Sources indicate that the main construction package was expected to be awarded January, 30 2008. The bidders are Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises and joint venture Arab Technical Construction Company with Samsung Corporation.

Al Mafraq Hospital Redevelopment – Abu Dhabi
Owner: Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD)
Budget:  $545 million
Scope of work: The project will involves the construction and major redevelopment of Al Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi over the existing area of approximately 35 sq km of Al Mafraq Hospital. It will include a new morbid obesity surgery, a trauma programme, retina surgery, a glaucoma section and a burn unit.
Update: Al Mafraq Hospital under the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has signed an agreement with Bumrungrad International to manage the facility, which is expected to be completed by 2012.

Jumeirah Village Development – Jumeirah Village South – Bavaria Gulf Residential
Owner: Bavaria Gulf
Budget:  $500 million
Scope of work: The project will involve the construction of low-rise buildings comprising 260 residential apartments and 36 townhouses in total, which will form a part of the Jumeirah Village South development scheme in Dubai. The total built-up area of the development will be approximately 400,000 sq ft.
Update: Source indicated that Bavaria Gulf has signed agreement with Mashreq Bank to provide financial services to benefit to customers or investors who wish to invest in Bavaria Gulf development.

Redevelopment of Al Bateen District (Al Bateen Wharf) – Masterplan
Owner: Belbadi Enterprises – Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) JV
Budget:  $435 million
Scope of work: The project calls for the design and construction of a major redevelopment of a 54,000 million sq m of Al Bateen District in Abu Dhabi. The site will be known as Al Bateen Wharf and will include a San Francisco-style Fishermen’s Marina and Al Bateen Wharf Hotel. The 400-room hotel will also have a serviced residential wing with 200 apartments.
Update: Source indicated that work on the redevelopment is due to commence before the end of 2007, with completion expected in December 2009.