MEED
Karin Maree

Power, Water

Doha rethinks water services

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
With demand for water and wastewater services growing steadily, Qatar’s government is seeking out new ways to boost capacity
Gulf Projects 15 February 2010: Index remained unchanged

21 February 2010, 5:47 GMT
The MEED Projects index remained unchanged in the week to 15 February.
Alstom wins two Saudi power contracts

12 February 2010, 16:02 GMT
French contractor to design and offer site advisory services for Rabigh scheme
Sembcorp starts work on Salalah power and water project

11 February 2010, 17:32 GMT
Plant to start operating commercially in 2012
Medina calls for wastewater treatment plant bids

11 February 2010, 17:25 GMT
New facility will have capacity of 200,000 cubic metres a day
Saudi utility holds contractor meeting for Ras al-Zour plant

10 February 2010, 17:34 GMT
Prequalification process for power and water project continues
Cadagua bids low for Darsait wastewater treatment plant

10 February 2010, 17:10 GMT
Haya Water opens financial bids from three other teams
Cairo needs to convince lenders over public-private partnerships

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Overseas lenders may well insist on government guarantees before they are willing to offer finance
Kuwait to expand Al-Zour South plant

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Electricity & Water Ministry to issue tender in early March
Qatar to retender wastewater plant at new location

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Public Works Authority scraps plans for Al-Dhakhira treatment plant
Saline Water launches Ras al-Zour pipeline project

9 February 2010, 18:03 GMT
Saudi system will transfer water to Hafr al-Batin
Bidders line up for Omani desalination plant expansion

9 February 2010, 17:34 GMT
Deal covers operation and maintenance of scheme at Lima
Gulf Projects 8 February 2010: Index gains 2.3 per cent

8 February 2010, 18:27 GMT
The MEED Projects index gained 2.3 per cent reaching $2.8 trillion in the week to 8 February
Al-Jaber wins Emirates power deals

8 February 2010, 16:41 GMT
Contractor to design, supply and install 33/11kV distribution substations
Hyundai wins power transmission work in Kuwait

8 February 2010, 16:27 GMT
Korean contractor to install overhead electricity lines
Cairo prequalifies bidders for 6 October City wastewater scheme

8 February 2010, 15:30 GMT
Ten groups line up for public-private partnership scheme
Bahrain awards transmission network deals

4 February 2010, 17:54 GMT
Deals form part of government’s network expansion programme
Syria seeks wind project consultant

4 February 2010, 17:39 GMT
Electricity authority sets March deadline for bids
Korean firm signs Iraqi power and steel deal

4 February 2010, 13:44 GMT
STX to build 500MW power plant and three million tonne-a-year steel factory
Oman power chief resigns

3 February 2010, 17:18 GMT
State power firm to appoint replacement quickly
Gulf Projects 1 February 2010: Index falls 0.3 per cent

3 February 2010, 10:33 GMT
The MEED Projects index fell by 0.3 per cent in the week to 1 February
Gaddafi’s son announces development of Zwara economic zone

3 February 2010, 10:27 GMT
Tripoli passes law to develop area from Melita to Ras Ijdair
Abu Dhabi sets June deadline for Shuweihat 3 bids

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Power production is scheduled to start in 2013
Cairo invites interest in power project

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Dariut combined cycle power plant to be developed on build-own-operate basis
Marafiq draws up request for proposals for Yanbu power plant

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Client to tender project as four packages
Egypt to issue request for proposals for Dariut power project in June

2 February 2010, 17:23 GMT
Prequalification submissions due by the end of March
Qatar Cool opens plant at West Bay

2 February 2010, 12:02 GMT
Plant will provide cooling to 46 towers in Doha
Saudi Electricity Company

2 February 2010, 7:13 GMT
The state utility is introducing a series of changes to improve efficiency and performance.
Abu Dhabi invites interest in Shuweihat 3 project

1 February 2010, 16:59 GMT
Emirate’s first independent power project will have capacity of 1,600MW
Mediterranean ring: Single grid plan stalls

1 February 2010, 12:00 GMT
Technical difficulties are hampering efforts to create an electricity network for the Mediterranean basin.
Siemens wins Saudi power contract

28 January 2010, 17:14 GMT
German contractor to lay underground transmission cables
Cairo invites bids for Gabal el-Asfar wastewater plant

28 January 2010, 16:32 GMT
Expansion scheme will offer services to 2.5 million people
Lahmeyer International secures Abu Dhabi power deal

28 January 2010, 16:07 GMT
German firm to provide consultancy services for four substations
World Bank invites firms to express interest in Egyptian projects

27 January 2010, 17:31 GMT
Egyptian government to set up long-term finance facility
Jordan shortlists consultants for renewable energy contracts

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Consultants to prepare regulatory, technical and economic framework for future projects
Kuwait to issue tender for Al-Zour North in February

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Plant will produce 1,500MW of power and 102 million gallons a day of water
Oman opens commercial bids for Barka and Sohar power projects

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
OPWP excludes Balkan Energy after technical evaluation
Riyadh to issue Al-Kharj plant tender in February

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Twenty-five companies apply to prequalify for project
Saudi wastewater strategy is still privatisation

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Once the regional economy picks up, the government’s privatisation drive should gather speed
Orascom and Morgan Stanley set up joint venture

26 January 2010, 16:53 GMT
Infrastructure company to invest across Middle East and North Africa
Bahrain Financial Harbour awards substation deal to Sumitomo

26 January 2010, 16:14 GMT
Japanese companies plan to complete work in 2011
Oman keeps seven in for Barka and Sohar projects

26 January 2010, 13:06 GMT
Client to hold meeting with bidders on 27 January
Gulf Projects 25 January 2010: Index falls 1 per cent

26 January 2010, 10:31 GMT
The MEED Projects Index fell by 1 per cent in the week ending 25 January
Abu Dhabi awards water transmission deals worth AED1.1bn

25 January 2010, 17:28 GMT
ABB and Torishima win pumping station contracts
Morocco delays bids for Safi power plant

25 January 2010, 15:43 GMT
Office National de l’Electricite sets March date for proposals
World Bank set to prequalify firms for Yemeni power plants

21 January 2010, 17:26 GMT
Developers will build three pilot independent power projects
Muscat calls for interest in Ghubrah power and water project

21 January 2010, 17:20 GMT
Omani plant will have 450-600MW capacity
Madrid and Amman sign nuclear co-operation accord

21 January 2010, 15:51 GMT
Spain to assist Jordan with training and waste management
Swiss firm wins $89m Algerian power deal

20 January 2010, 18:02 GMT
Turbomach to build 15MW power plant at Illizi
Gulf Projects 18 January 2010: Index falls by 0.6 per cent

20 January 2010, 10:16 GMT
The MEED Projects Index fell by 0.6 per cent in the week to 18 January.
Saudi Electricity plans three power plant extensions in 2010

19 January 2010, 17:44 GMT
Hail, Tabuk and Rafha schemes will increase capacity to 290MW
Jordan receives Kuwaiti loan for power plant expansion

19 January 2010, 17:39 GMT
Samra project will have final capacity of 900MW
Contractors line up for Ras al-Zour power and water plant work

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Saline Water Conversion Corporation shortlists 11 groups
Doha to outsource operation of wastewater network

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Three international firms compete for feasibility study contract
Egypt to build private power plant north of Cairo

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Independent power project will have capacity of 750MW
Saudi Electricity evaluates Rabigh 6 bids

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction is low bidder for 2,800MW plant
Masdar signs co-operation deal with 1 Malaysia Development

18 January 2010, 17:43 GMT
Companies to study joint clean technology schemes
Kuwait invites substation bids

18 January 2010, 16:04 GMT
Winning contractor to build two new 132kV substations
German investor to submit solar power proposal to Amman

15 January 2010, 16:28 GMT
Financial close targeted for end of year
KEO International takes Qatar wastewater consultancy work

15 January 2010, 16:26 GMT
Asghal plans wastewater network privatisation
Award on Masdar solar power plant to be made by March

15 January 2010, 14:20 GMT
Construction work to begin this year
Cairo launches study into private power plants

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Independent power project will have capacity of 3,500MW
Dubai should delay Hassyan

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Electricity authority needs to hold off on private plant until finance markets have improved
Dubai's private power aspirations

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
The emirate may struggle to persuade investors to support its plans for privatised utilities
Jordan awards consultancy on third independent power plant

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
US firm wins power advisory contract
Saudi Electricity prepares to launch next independent power project

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Utility to shortlist bidders for PP11 scheme in February
Tunis delays private power projects

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Four groups in line to bid for independent power project at Bizerte
Masdar and Schneider Electric announce partnership

14 January 2010, 16:42 GMT
Companies to set up research and development facilities in Masdar City
Kuwait signs nuclear co-operation deal with France

14 January 2010, 16:05 GMT
Twenty-year agreement allows transfer of nuclear know-how and equipment
Abu Dhabi to develop Shuweihat 3 power project ahead of Taweelah C

14 January 2010, 15:17 GMT
Scheme will be Adwea’s first independent power project
Arabian Bemco takes Al-Qassim power deal

13 January 2010, 16:57 GMT
Contractor to complete work on 224MW project by June
Gulf Projects 11 January 2010: Index up by 1 per cent

12 January 2010, 13:59 GMT
The MEED Projects index rose by 1 per cent in the week ending 11 January.
ABB wins automation contract for Saudi steel mill

12 January 2010, 13:13 GMT
Arcelor Mittal plant to produce 500,000 tonnes a year of seamless steel
Morocco launches Ouarzazate solar power project

11 January 2010, 15:46 GMT
Bids for consultancy on first of five plants due in late January
Siemens wins transmission contracts in Saudi Arabia

11 January 2010, 14:41 GMT
German contractor will strengthen networks in central region
Nivus bids low for Tubli wastewater project

7 January 2010, 18:21 GMT
Bahrain to make emergency upgrade of largest treatment plant
Swiss firm wins Saudi transmission work

7 January 2010, 18:16 GMT
ABB to build $48m Rabigh substation
National Water Company outlines plans for management deals

7 January 2010, 15:59 GMT
Saudi utility set to award Medina and Dammam packages in 2011
Gulf Projects 4 January 2010: Index remains unchanged

6 January 2010, 12:10 GMT
The MEED Projects index remained unchanged in the two weeks to 4 January
Industrial fund approves $43m loan to Saudi Cable Company

6 January 2010, 11:41 GMT
Firm will complete capacity expansion plan by the end of 2010
Dubai launches first private power and water project

6 January 2010, 10:38 GMT
Emirate scraps plans for Hassyan 1 engineering, procurement and construction contract
Dubai to award private power plant in 2011

Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010
Electricity authority plans to appoint technical consultants by second quarter of 2010
Koreans come of age in Abu Dhabi power sector

Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010
There can be no doubt that South Korean contractors have cemented their international position
Koreans to launch site study for nuclear power scheme

Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010
Consortium of Kepco, Hyundai and Samsung to start with studies at Sila
Sogreah wins Qatari solar power consultancy deal

Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010
Kahramaa awards feasibility study for development of desalination plants powered by the sun
Bids in for temporary power provision project in Oman

4 January 2010, 17:40 GMT
Five companies line up for rental deal
Hyder Consulting bids low for Bahrain water work

4 January 2010, 17:11 GMT
Transmission project will result in an extra 165 kilometres of pipelines
Siemens wins Saudi substation contract

4 January 2010, 15:17 GMT
Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu awards $87m engineering, procurement and construction deal
Barka 2 power and water plant begins operating

21 December 2009, 13:46 GMT
Omani scheme produces 678MW of power
Kuwait delays water project bids

21 December 2009, 13:43 GMT
Ministry changes bid deadlines for Al-Zour and Mina Abdullah to March 2010
Power & Water 2010: Activity picks up as banks begin lending

Supplement: MEED Yearbook 2010
Power and water schemes are getting under way as project financing slowly becomes available
Oman shortlists water contract management bidders

18 December 2009, 13:01 GMT
Companies due to submit their bids by 18 January 2010
National Water Company scraps treatment plant privatisation

18 December 2009, 12:58 GMT
State firm to pay for construction of third wastewater facility
Politics key to nuclear award

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
Price will not be the only consideration in the UAE’s choice of power plant developer
Indian contractor wins UAE and Algerian contracts

17 December 2009, 17:49 GMT
KEC International wins deals worth $135m
Developers express interest in Duqm coal-fired plant

17 December 2009, 17:45 GMT
Contractors will be invited to prequalify in April 2010
Egyptian core inflation runs at 6.6 per cent

17 December 2009, 17:41 GMT
Inflation is down by 23 per cent on August 2008
Gulf Projects 14 December 2009: No change to index

17 December 2009, 14:01 GMT
The MEED Projects index remained unchanged in the week to 14 December.
National Water Company sets timeline for Mecca scheme

16 December 2009, 16:14 GMT
Bids due 1 March 2010
Septech enters Saudi joint venture

16 December 2009, 16:09 GMT
UAE firm joins forces with Mawrid Holdings
Canadian court approves sale of Verenex to Libya

14 December 2009, 18:40 GMT
Investment authority to buy energy firm’s shares
Relays Electrical bids low for Dubai power and water deal

14 December 2009, 18:03 GMT
Winning bidder to supervise commissioning activities for electricity & water authority
Mapna Group wins Syrian power plant deal

14 December 2009, 17:33 GMT
Iranian contractor to build 450MW facility in west of Syria
Bids in for Darsait wastewater plant

14 December 2009, 16:34 GMT
Nine firms line up for Haya Water contract
Dow Chemical to develop Saudi water plant

14 December 2009, 14:35 GMT
US firm to complete work on plant in 2010
Saudi Arabia: Security systems

13 December 2009, 13:47 GMT
Installation of security systems. Closing date: 23 December 2009
Syria: Power consultancy

10 December 2009, 17:00 GMT
Consultancy for power plants and network. Closing date: unknown
Egyptian inflation declines 0.1 per cent

10 December 2009, 16:57 GMT
Food prices fall 0.3 per cent between October and November
Foster Wheeler wins work on Manifa development

10 December 2009, 15:36 GMT
US firm to provide steam power equipment
Firms submit revised bids for $40bn Abu Dhabi nuclear deal

10 December 2009, 13:18 GMT
French and US teams propose lower prices for power contract
Egypt: Ammonia plant

9 December 2009, 17:32 GMT
General contractor for ammonia plant. Closing date: 20 January 2010
UAE: Bills enveloping machine

9 December 2009, 17:31 GMT
Supply of bills enveloping machine. Closing date: 4 January 2010.
Corodex completes building Abu Dhabi wastewater projects

9 December 2009, 12:02 GMT
Local company is commissioning three plants
Iran: Warm-water meters

9 December 2009, 10:24 GMT
Supply of ultrasonic warm-water meters. Closing date: 17 December 2009
Gulf Projects 7 December 2009: Index rises 1.7 per cent

8 December 2009, 11:12 GMT
The MEED Projects index rose by 1.7 per cent in the week ending 7 December.
Bank calls for clarity on Omani power project support

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Export credit agency seeks government guarantees for Barka 3 and Sohar 2 power plants
Muscat needs to reassure Japanese bank

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
It would make sense for Muscat to provide the bank with some reassurance with guarantees
National Water Company to issue Mecca and Taif water tender

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Deadline for first of three public-private partnership schemes set for mid-December
Tunis to start prequalifying bidders for Cap Bon plant in mid December

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Plant to have planned capacity of 1,200MW
Charilaos Apostolides bids low for Bahraini transmission work

7 December 2009, 18:22 GMT
Local firm submits price of $1.4m
Orascom and Hassan Allam secure 6 October City wastewater work

7 December 2009, 18:16 GMT
Joint venture to build infrastructure in three years
Iran: Steel pipes

7 December 2009, 17:17 GMT
Supply of steel pipe. Closing date: 10 January 2010
Oman: Water management

7 December 2009, 16:45 GMT
Provision of contract management services. Closing date: 18 January 2010
South Koreans win Jordanian nuclear reactor work

7 December 2009, 15:50 GMT
Team to develop $173m facility
Project cash begins to flow for wastewater schemes

Supplement: Gulf Wastewater
Countries across the region have plans to expand their wastewater treatment facilities. And with the project finance market picking up, many of these schemes are making progress
Bids in for Bahraini power transmission deal

3 December 2009, 18:33 GMT
Eight firms line up for consultancy contract
Syria launches private wind farm project

3 December 2009, 18:21 GMT
Developers to submit prequalifications by the end of January 2010
French team holds talks over buying Areva

3 December 2009, 18:12 GMT
Schneider Electric and Alstom plan to purchase power transmission and distribution business
Abu Dhabi tenders wastewater contract

3 December 2009, 10:37 GMT
Utility seeks contractors to build sewers in Mafraq and Bani Yas
International Desalination Association appoints president

2 December 2009, 15:45 GMT
Makhzoumi is chief of global non-profit organisation
Developers line up for Yemeni private power scheme

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
Sanaa plans three pilot plants with combined capacity of 375MW
Enec asks bidders to revise prices for nuclear plant

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
South Korean consortium submits lowest bid for UAE’s first nuclear facility
Barka 3 bidders seek further extension

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
Muscat agrees to delay bid deadline on Sohar 2 and Barka 3 independent power projects by just one day
South Korean bid deserves to win Abu Dhabi nuclear power deal

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
The Koreans have offered the lowest price, but Seoul does not wield the influence of Paris or Washington
Ras al-Zour power and water scheme tender on schedule

1 December 2009, 16:53 GMT
Saudi Arabia to issue request for proposals on 5 December
Canadian Clear Water builds three reverse osmosis plants

1 December 2009, 11:35 GMT
Indian contractor completes desalination plants in Egypt, Iraq and Oman
Gulf Projects 30 November 2009: Index lose 0.2 per cent

30 November 2009, 18:00 GMT
The MEED Projects fell by 0.2 per cent in the week to 30 November as activity slowed while the region celebrated Eid al-Adha.
Sudanese Egyptian Bank appoints new chief

30 November 2009, 15:33 GMT
Managing director to supervise expansion and attract investors
Kuwait tenders West Funaitees water storage work

30 November 2009, 14:37 GMT
Contractors to bid for construction deal in February 2010
Bidders to express interest in Duqm power project by December

26 November 2009, 18:23 GMT
Oman to issue request for proposals in September 2010
Gulf International Bank postpones note issue after Dubai debt freeze

26 November 2009, 18:20 GMT
Ratings agency downgrades Dubai firms
Kuwait awards power transmission deals

26 November 2009, 18:09 GMT
National Contracting secures electricity work
WorleyParsons to advise Jordan on nuclear plant

25 November 2009, 17:33 GMT
Australian firm to carry out pre-construction work and will help choose technology
Advisers line up for Kuwait metro scheme

25 November 2009, 15:47 GMT
Public-private partnership project attracts interest from 45 consultants
Singapore firm signs Salalah contract

25 November 2009, 12:50 GMT
Hyflux to design and supply desalination plant at independent water and power project
Gulf Projects 23 November 2009: Index grows 0.8 per cent

25 November 2009, 11:46 GMT
The MEED Projects grew by just 0.8 per cent in the week to 23 November despite an 11.7 per cent increase in the value of projects planned and under way in Qatar
Kahramaa awards contract for reservoir feasibility study

Issue No 48 27 November - 3 December 2009
France’s Sogreah to assess plans for five reservoirs and a connecting pipeline
Serbian firm wins reverse-osmosis study

Issue No 48 27 November - 3 December 2009
Desalination plant is scheduled for completion in 2012
Atkins wins Kuwaiti wastewater masterplan

24 November 2009, 15:30 GMT
UK firm to deliver study on network upgrade in 2011
Developers sign Salalah power and water contract

23 November 2009, 17:23 GMT
Demand for electricity in Dhofar is expected to double
Swiss contractor secures Saudi power deal

23 November 2009, 16:22 GMT
ABB set to improve efficiency of 22 distribution substations
Citadel to list on Egyptian Exchange

23 November 2009, 15:52 GMT
Private equity firm plans to float 12.5 per cent of shares
Muscat awards Duqm advisory deal to UK firm

23 November 2009, 12:48 GMT
Project will be Oman’s first coal-fired plant
Jordanian firm bids low for Kuwaiti power work

23 November 2009, 12:15 GMT
Winning contractor to supply cables for electricity transmission networks
Qatari demand for power increases 14 per cent

19 November 2009, 10:42 GMT
Customers use 215 million gallons of water in June
Bahraini contractor bids low for transmission civils

19 November 2009, 5:16 GMT
Eight firms bid for contract to carry out civils work for nine substations
Oman prequalifies firms for water management contract

17 November 2009, 16:28 GMT
Eighteen contractors buy documents
Swiss contractor wins $120m Saudi university deal

17 November 2009, 15:15 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company awards contract to supply three substations
Taking the initiative on regional solar power

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
An ambitious project in the Sahara desert is at the forefront of a series of regional renewable energy schemes
Desertec solar power plan should benefit North Africa

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
The Desertec initiative opens up new possibilities for trade between North African states and Europe. Desertec will set a precedent for international energy co-operation.
Firms vie for consultancy role to upgrade electricity grid

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
Winning bidder will undertake feasibility study and define scale of scheme
Energoprojekt bids low for Emirates power grid work

16 November 2009, 16:43 GMT
Serbian company waiting for Dewa to announce Hassyan project winner
Bids in for Kuwait private power consultancy deal

11 November 2009, 17:10 GMT
Winning firm to carry out financial, technical and legal due diligence
Iberdrola and Fisia bid low for Hassyan 1 power and water project

10 November 2009, 18:13 GMT
Spanish and French firms team up for engineering, procurement and construction work
Saudi Electricity extends deadline for Riyadh PP11 power plant

Issue No 46 13-19 November 2009
Bidding groups request more time to price construction costs
World Bank reviews delays to independent power project

Issue No 46 13-19 November 2009
State firm delays request for proposals
Prequalifiers miss deadline for Ruwais power plant

Issue No 46 13-19 November 2009
Contracting teams ask for more time after Takreer increases scope of project
It is too early to talk of recovery in the Gulf power sector yet

Issue No 46 13-19 November 2009
Salalah will be the region’s third utility developed by the private sector to secure funding this year
Saudi Electricity awards Riyadh transmission deal

9 November 2009, 17:18 GMT
Consortium of KEC and Al-Sharif Group win $64m contract
Cairo shortlists bidders for wind farm

9 November 2009, 17:01 GMT
Ten companies line up for private energy scheme on Gulf of Suez
Egyptian economy grows 4.9 per cent

9 November 2009, 15:43 GMT
Central bank maintains current interest rates
Desertec consortium to develop Sahara solar power scheme

5 November 2009, 18:19 GMT
Project to supply 15 per cent of Europe’s power by 2050
Swiss firm secures Saudi substation work

5 November 2009, 17:17 GMT
Saudi Electricity awards $120m construction deal in Central region
Emirates firm bids low for Hassyan power plant work

5 November 2009, 16:13 GMT
PMDC prices contract at $5m
Morocco plans $9bn solar power project

5 November 2009, 11:00 GMT
Scheme will be equivalent to 38 per cent of current installed capacity
Doosan bids low for Ain Sokhna steam power plant package

3 November 2009, 17:28 GMT
South Korean contractor opens branch in Cairo
Abu Dhabi invites bids for sewerage facilities upgrade

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Utility issues tenders for contracts covering Abu Dhabi Island and the northeast region of the emirate
Developer seeks consultant for $7bn metro scheme

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Expressions of interest invited for Kuwait City light rail rapid transit system
Egypt to award wastewater treatment plant deal

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Developers have until 2011 to raise capital for public-private partnership scheme
Politics is key to nuclear award in Emirates

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
The scale and political significance of the deal will mean price is unlikely to be the deciding factor
Takreer expands power capacity at Ruwais

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company requests technical bids for third-phase plant expansion
Emirates to build four nuclear reactors

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Plant will have total power capacity of 5,600-6,000MW, with first reactor planned to come on line in 2017
Tractebel secures Saudi network contract

2 November 2009, 17:03 GMT
Belgian contractor signs $7.4m deal to protect transmission grid
Gecol invites Hyundai to build Tripoli West power plant

Nov 2009 Online Content
Libya rolls five packages into one
Expansion of Ruwais power plant hits fresh delays

30 October 2009, 15:07 GMT
Client Takreer postpones bidding on Gulf coast scheme until 14 December
Saudi Electricity extends deadline for Rabigh 6 project

28 October 2009, 15:49 GMT
Four contractors line up to bid for steam power plant
Morocco delays Safi coal plant deadline

28 October 2009, 14:39 GMT
Bids for independent power project due in January
Gulf Projects 26 October 2009: Index rises 0.2 per cent

28 October 2009, 12:44 GMT
The MEED Projects index rose by 0.2 per cent in the week to 26 October.
Contractors to prequalify for Ras al-Zour after 5 December

28 October 2009, 12:15 GMT
Saline Water Conversion Corporation will not announce bidders shortlist before issuing tenders
Cairo to announce wind farm prequalifiers

27 October 2009, 18:41 GMT
Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company evaluates consultancy bids
Saudi Electricity plans to launch independent power projects

27 October 2009, 17:09 GMT
State utility will build plants at Al-Daba, Ras al-Zour and Shuqaiq
Egypt releases core inflation index

26 October 2009, 15:47 GMT
Inflation rises to 6.3 per cent in September
Kuwait scraps bids for Mina Abdullah water complex

26 October 2009, 14:47 GMT
Ministry sets 27 December deadline for construction and maintenance deal
Alstom to supply turbines to Samra 3 gas project

26 October 2009, 14:36 GMT
Hanwha to increase power plant capacity to 900MW
Bahrain delays Muharraq wastewater plant bid to 2010

23 October 2009, 18:16 GMT
Winning firm to build deep-gravity sewer network
Groups line up for $150m Qatari wastewater plant

23 October 2009, 17:41 GMT
Ashghal is evaluating five bids for the project
Saudi utility to seek proposals for city services

23 October 2009, 17:32 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Nat-ional Water Company (NWC) is to issue a request for proposals in early December to manage the water networks of Mecca and Taif.
Utility seeks contractors for Ras al-Zour power plant

23 October 2009, 17:29 GMT
Saudi state-owned utility Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) is inviting contractors to qualify to bid for its planned Ras al-Zour power and water plant.
Kuwaiti power plant bidders win extension

23 October 2009, 17:26 GMT
Kuwait’s Partnerships Technical Bureau, which oversees the state’s public-private partnership (PPP) schemes, has pushed back the bid deadline on the country’s first independent water and power project (IWPP) by two weeks.
Bids in for Marib 2 and 3 power plants

22 October 2009, 18:00 GMT
Bharat Heavy Electricals and Technopromexport submit bids for Yemeni projects
Arab Fund provides loan to Ghannouch power project

22 October 2009, 17:49 GMT
Latest loan brings fund’s commitments to TD180m
Citadel subsidiary buys stake in gold mining company

22 October 2009, 17:09 GMT
Ascom acquires 9 per cent stake in GMA Resources
Oman to award Duqm advisory in late November

21 October 2009, 18:04 GMT
Six law firms in line for consultancy
Saudi Electricity signs Qurayyah power contract

21 October 2009, 17:36 GMT
Bemco and Doosan to complete work by early 2015
Gulf Projects 19 October 2009: Index rises 0.5 per cent

21 October 2009, 11:23 GMT
The value of projects planned and under way in the GCC is down 9.1 per cent year-on-year
Saudi Electricity profits up by 15 per cent

20 October 2009, 14:41 GMT
Profits for third quarter reach SR1.73bn
Sete Energy secures deal to build Yanbu wastewater plant

19 October 2009, 15:36 GMT
Saudi contractor to use treated effluent to irrigate land
Gulf Projects 12 October 2009: Index rises 3.4 per cent

16 October 2009, 18:46 GMT
The MEED Project index made a slight recovery in the week ending 12 October as it rose by 3.4 per cent to $2.67 trillion
Developers complete Shuweihat 2 financing

16 October 2009, 16:43 GMT
Suez and Marubeni secure $2.2bn for water and power project
Yokogawa to upgrade Shuwaikh desalination plant

15 October 2009, 19:27 GMT
Japanese firm to replace control systems at plant
Bidders request more time on Rabigh 6 scheme

15 October 2009, 19:10 GMT
Contractors expect mid-January deadline for bids
Bahrain to discuss Muharraq bid deadline extension

15 October 2009, 18:57 GMT
Tenders Board to hold talks over wastewater plant
Morocco holds talks over Tarfaya wind farm bids

15 October 2009, 15:41 GMT
Suez Energy and International Power continue technical clarifications
Cairo to issue university hospitals tender

15 October 2009, 15:07 GMT
Private firms to build two projects for Alexandria University
Cairo seeks private developer for wastewater concession

14 October 2009, 17:30 GMT
Qualification for public-private partnership scheme to be requested by 20 October
Consultants compete for Zarqa deal

14 October 2009, 10:41 GMT
Six teams of consultants have submitted valid bids for a contract to develop Jordan’s third independent power project (IPP)
Foster Wheeler signs Saudi wastewater deal

13 October 2009, 15:56 GMT
Sete Energy plans to expand industrial treatment plant
Kuwait lends $51m to Morocco for water project

13 October 2009, 15:42 GMT
Agreement will help fund Tamlot dam for irrigation and water supply
Cairo delays will deter private investors in the water sector

Issue No 42 16-22 October 2009
Cairo is to raise 10-30 per cent of the capital needed for its infrastructure programme from the sector
US firm wins control system deal in Riyadh

12 October 2009, 16:10 GMT
GE signs contract to help make plant more reliable and efficient
Inflation rises in Egypt

12 October 2009, 14:59 GMT
Egypt records first rate increase since November 2008
Riyadh launches Ras al-Zour roadshow

9 October 2009, 10:46 GMT
Saline Water Conversion Corporation to introduce power and desalination project
Technip wins Bahraini power plant work

8 October 2009, 16:55 GMT
State petroleum company plans to replace steam turbine generators
Jordan launches water conveyor scheme

8 October 2009, 16:26 GMT
US agency funds pipeline from Zaatary to Hofa
Averda buys Al-Ghadeer Waste Collections in Emirates

8 October 2009, 10:33 GMT
Lebanese company plans to expand in the region
Haya Water delays Omani plant bid deadline

8 October 2009, 10:15 GMT
Winning firm to design, build, operate and maintain wastewater treatment scheme
Omani utility simplifies power plant tenders

Issue No 41 9-15 October 2009
Changes to pricing requirements mean commercial production at Sohar and Barka faces 12-month delay
Saudi water utility rethinks contract plans

Issue No 41 9-15 October 2009
Saudi Arabia’s state-owned National Water Company (NWC) has changed the order in which it will tender three water management contracts
Compromise is key to progress in Omani power sector

Issue No 41 9-15 October 2009
To maximise competition, Oman not only extended the bid deadline for two new power plants, but also cut the developers’ work in half
Gulf Projects 5 October 2009: Index rises 0.7 per cent

7 October 2009, 10:29 GMT
The MEED Projects Index rose 0.1 per cent to more than $2.58 trillion in the week ending 5 October
Swiss firm bids low for Omani power work

6 October 2009, 16:32 GMT
ABB to supply supervisory control and data acquisition systems to Majan Electricity
Riyadh gives tariff responsibilities to power regulator

6 October 2009, 15:40 GMT
Electricity authority to amend and approve non-residential prices
Oman tenders water reservoir expansion

5 October 2009, 17:31 GMT
Public Authority for Electricity & Water to ugrade infrastructure
Sharjah raises power tariffs for expatriates

5 October 2009, 16:44 GMT
Residents respond negatively to higher costs
Algeria issues tender for power plants

5 October 2009, 16:34 GMT
Sonelgaz subsidiary plans construction of gas turbines at Batna and F’Kirina
Ausra wins Jordanian solar power contract

5 October 2009, 15:19 GMT
US company to supply steam boiler for Maan project
Egypt secures funding for power and water projects

1 October 2009, 17:08 GMT
European Investment Bank grants $73m loan for Red Sea wind farm
National Water Company shortlists bidders for Saudi deals

1 October 2009, 16:50 GMT
Riyadh makes progress on three water management contracts
Ajman Sewerage signs banking deal

1 October 2009, 15:27 GMT
Plan to helps customers pay wastewater tariffs
Saudi industrial authority awards district cooling deal

1 October 2009, 12:50 GMT
National Tri-Generational to provide cooling on build-operate-transfer basis
Kuwaiti power demand to grow 9 per cent by 2014

1 October 2009, 11:58 GMT
Emirate is one of the highest electricity consumers in the world
Riyadh to retender Ras al-Zour work by November

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
Saline Water Conversion Corporation to award power and water plant deal in 2010
Taweelah C power and water project nears

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
Abu Dhabi plans the emirate’s first steam power plant and its largest power plant to date
Riyadh is paying price for Ras al-Zour retender

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
The change on Ras al-Zour did not need to happen. Riyadh has chosen the more difficult route
Gulf Projects 28 September 2009: Index rises 0.3 per cent

30 September 2009, 13:18 GMT
The MEED Projects-CMI index rose by 0.3 per cent to nearly $2.58 trillion in the week to 28 September
Hanwha wins Samra power expansion work

29 September 2009, 17:50 GMT
First turbine to start operating before end of 2010
Halcrow and WorleyParsons secure power and wastewater work

29 September 2009, 14:32 GMT
Qatar Petroleum awards $2.7m Mesaieed contracts
Egypt to expand power capacity

28 September 2009, 16:20 GMT
Egyptian Electricity Holding to build plants in Sinai, Red Sea and Qena
Masdar shortlists Shams 1 solar power sites

28 September 2009, 16:11 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company to make final selection by end of 2009
Towell takes Musanah water supply scheme

28 September 2009, 15:04 GMT
Six other contractors, including four Omani firms, miss out on job
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company delays bidding on Ruwais plant

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
Utility extends commercial bid deadline as it reviews future of power plant expansion
Syrian utility selects power plant bidders

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
The sate-owned Public Establishment of Electricity for Generation & Transmission, has shortlisted two companies to bid for the country’s first independent power project (IPP)
Kuwait issues tenders for oil and gas pipelines

24 September 2009, 17:40 GMT
State oil company plans network from Mina al-Ahmadi to power plants
Ratings agency downgrades Dubai electricity authority

24 September 2009, 16:05 GMT
Dubai’s creditworthiness is weakening, claims Fitch
Austrian firm wins Tunisian wastewater scheme

24 September 2009, 15:11 GMT
VA Tech Wabag to build Enfidha plant in partnership with MTT
Arabian Bemco and Hyundai Doosan secure Al-Qurrayah deal

24 September 2009, 11:02 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company to expand combined-cycle power plant
Iran tenders Qom water plant consultancy deal

24 September 2009, 10:21 GMT
Dodahak project will have capacity of 570,000 cm/d
Qatar tenders Doha South wastewater consultancy

23 September 2009, 15:19 GMT
Ashghal seeks project manager for wastewater plant expansion
Egypt lowers interest rates

23 September 2009, 10:21 GMT
Inflation falls to lowest level in 20 months
Telecom Egypt appoints chief financial officer

22 September 2009, 18:16 GMT
Helmy joins state firm from KPMG Hazem Hassan
Libyan economy grows 4 per cent in 2008

22 September 2009, 15:59 GMT
Higher international commodity prices and public spending cause rise in inflation
Gulf Projects 21 September 2009: Index remains unchanged

22 September 2009, 10:16 GMT
The MEED Projects-CMI index remained unchanged at $2.57 trillion in the week to 21 September as the month of Ramadan ended
Kuwait delays bids for water work

21 September 2009, 17:46 GMT
Electricity & Water Ministry plans pipelines from Mina Abdullah 2 to West Funaitees
Libyan desalination plants begin operating

21 September 2009, 17:24 GMT
Sidem plants produce first water
Baghdad awards power plant deals

21 September 2009, 13:11 GMT
SNC Lavalin and Uruk Engineering Services win Hilla and Al-Taji projects
Al-Zour power project will test mettle of Kuwait

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Kuwait must maintain its momentum as some foreign investors are already sceptical
Al-Zour power and water project puts Kuwait to the test

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Investors will be closely monitoring progress on the country’s first independent power and water project
Kahramaa awards work to develop Qatar's transmission network

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Saudi Arabia’s National Contracting Company wins first contract on phase nine of network expansion
Saudi banks link up for power deal

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Samba, Al-Rajhi and Alinma offer $1bn in financing to bidders for Saudi Electricity Company scheme
Gulf Projects 14 September: Index falls 0.3 per cent

17 September 2009, 12:35 GMT
The MEED Projects-CMI index fell 0.3 per cent in the week to 14 September
Alfanar secures Kandarah power work

17 September 2009, 11:04 GMT
Saudi Electricity awards Kandarah-Jeddah grid connection deal
Syria delays power plant expansion bids

17 September 2009, 10:58 GMT
Winning firm will design and build two gas turbines at Al-Nassirieh
Disi Water awards consultancy deal to Halcrow

16 September 2009, 15:54 GMT
Pipeline project to supply 30 per cent of Amman’s water requirements
Saudi Electricity plans to boost capacity

16 September 2009, 12:09 GMT
State utility to add 10,000MW of power capacity to grid
Egypt appoints investment authority chairman

15 September 2009, 16:17 GMT
Prime Minister hires former head of Mortgage Finance Authority
Tractebel to conduct study for Jordanian nuclear power plant

14 September 2009, 17:31 GMT
Engineering company signs $12m consultancy deal
US and South Korea sign Subiya power deal

14 September 2009, 16:47 GMT
Kuwait awards $3bn contract to GE and Hyundai Heavy Industries
Oman awards Duqm power deals

14 September 2009, 16:13 GMT
State firm selects WorleyParsons and KPMG as advisers for coal-fired plant
Kuwait rolls out $17bn utilities upgrade

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
Electricity & Water Ministry to more than double generating and desalination capacity by 2017
State must set efficiency goal

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
There will need to be a concerted effort by state bodies to ensure the contracting process becomes quicker and more transparent
Three groups remain in race for nuclear deal

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
The UAE is to retain all three bidding groups on its nuclear programme to ensure it receives the best prices possible
Jordan calls for consultants on Zarqa power project

10 September 2009, 7:59 GMT
Amman pushes ahead with third independent power project
Gulf Projects 7 September: Index falls 1.7 per cent

9 September 2009, 17:56 GMT
The value of projects across the Middle East which are on hold stood at $541bn on 7 September, following a 1.7 per cent fall in the value of the MEED Projects index over the week.
Egyptian inflation declines to 9 per cent

9 September 2009, 17:51 GMT
Egyptian inflation continues downward trend
Siemens wins Dubai transmission project

9 September 2009, 14:53 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority awards Al-Mazmar substation contract
Citadel launches microfinance lending

8 September 2009, 17:13 GMT
Egyptian private equity firm establishes microfinance lending group
Aqua wins Egyptian desalination contract

8 September 2009, 17:08 GMT
Cairo awards water plant project to Austrians
Aqua takes UAE desalination project

7 September 2009, 16:37 GMT
Federal authority awards Al-Zawra water contract
Saudi Electricity awards major contracts

7 September 2009, 8:21 GMT
Locals win SR220m contracts
Egyptian economy grows 5 per cent

4 September 2009, 12:02 GMT
Growth rate supasses government forecasts
Kuwait sets up temporary wastewater pumping station

4 September 2009, 10:47 GMT
Repairs on flooded Mishref plant continue
Al-Zour power and water scheme attracts strong interest

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
At least 10 groups line up for consultancy work on country’s first independent water and power project.
World Bank plans pilot power schemes in Yemen

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
Tenders for three coal-fired plants at Aden, Al-Hudaida and Mukalla are expected in September.
Qatar cement firm to supply limestone to desalination plants

3 September 2009, 15:24 GMT
Agreement covers 25-year period and is worth $2m a year
Iran: Desalination system consultancy services

3 September 2009, 13:02 GMT
Provision of consultancy services for a master plan for evaluation of desalination systems. Closing date: NA
Saur to manage Mecca water networks

2 September 2009, 17:41 GMT
National Water Company awards technical assistance contract to French firm
Emirates delays shortlisting bidders for nuclear project

2 September 2009, 17:29 GMT
Energy corporation plans to award deal for power plant on 16 September
Gulf Projects 24 August 2009: Index rises 14.2 per cent

2 September 2009, 13:06 GMT
For the second consecutive week, the UAE was the only market to record a change in the value of projects planned or under way.
Middle East Specialised Cables wins $25m contracts

2 September 2009, 12:29 GMT
Deals cover work at Saudi university and Sonatrach
Dubai launches energy council

2 September 2009, 10:47 GMT
Sheikh Mohammed creates authority to oversee development of oil and gas sector
Kharafi National wins Kuwaiti wastewater work

28 August 2009, 11:22 GMT
Ministry awards contract to upgrade and expand network in Jahra
Budget constraints delay progress in Libyan power sector

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
While Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is encouraging the privatisation of the country’s power sector, plans for a series of new plants are being hampered by a lack of funding
Libya returning to the international fold

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
Tripoli’s reaction to the release of the man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing may cause a temporary disruption in its rapprochement with the West. But slow progress on reform is the biggest stumbling block.
Oil majors reassess their positions in Libya

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
National Oil Corporation chairman Shokri Ghanem speaks to MEED about the impact on Libya’s oil and gas sector of low oil prices and disappointing discoveries
Oil majors reassess their positions in Libya

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
National Oil Corporation chairman Shokri Ghanem speaks to MEED about the impact on Libya’s oil and gas sector of low oil prices and disappointing discoveries
Tripoli opening up to the private sector

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
With an ambitious target of increasing its desalination capacity tenfold by 2015, Tripoli is planning to involve private companies in developing its water projects for the first time
Tripoli opening up to the private sector

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
With an ambitious target of increasing its desalination capacity tenfold by 2015, Tripoli is planning to involve private companies in developing its water projects for the first time
Tunis must put power project delays in the past

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
North Africa could prove a popular choice with firms that have traditionally focused on the Gulf
Tunis sets January deadline for Bizerte power plant bids

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
The country’s second independent power project is due to come on line by 2014
Morocco plans oil shale power project

27 August 2009, 19:09 GMT
Rabat calls for expressions of interest for feedstock plant
Indian firm wins Gulf transmission projects

27 August 2009, 14:49 GMT
Larsen & Toubro secures orders worth $198m
Local consultant bids low for Dubai water work

27 August 2009, 12:17 GMT
NJS Consultants Company plans to supervise emirate’s water transmission pipeline project
Sudan: Rural water supply and sanitation project

26 August 2009, 17:08 GMT
Borehole drilling, installation of hand pumps and small water distribution systems. Closing date: 4 September 2009
Syria: Manufacture and supply of materials for transmission lines

25 August 2009, 15:57 GMT
Manufacture and supply of materials for transmission lines. Closing date: 30 September 2009
Syria: Supervision on the extension of a power plant

25 August 2009, 15:45 GMT
Supervision on the extension of a power plant. Closing date: 1 October 2009-08-25
Saudi Electricity awards restructuring study

25 August 2009, 12:27 GMT
BC Middle East to examine utility’s transmission and distribution businesses
Bids for Rabigh 6 power expansion due in October

25 August 2009, 6:55 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company delays project north of Jeddah
Syria: Supervision of extension of power plant

24 August 2009, 16:16 GMT
Supervision of extension of power plant. Closing date: 10 October 2009
Syria: Extension of power plant

24 August 2009, 15:29 GMT
Extension of power plant. Closing date: 7 September 2009
Indian firm bids low for Omani dam contract

24 August 2009, 14:08 GMT
Oman plans to replenish groundwater aquifers
Sudan awards Afra substation deal to South Koreans

24 August 2009, 12:18 GMT
LS Industrial Systems to build plant and Daeong Industrial Machinery to finance project
National Contracting wins three contracts worth $55m

24 August 2009, 6:51 GMT
The local National Contracting Company (NCC) has won three contracts worth SR204m ($55m) for transmission projects in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh draws up water scheme shortlist

Issue No 34 21 - 27 August 2009
National Water Company to announce selected bidders for three management contracts on 24 August.
Morocco: Power plant extension

17 August 2009, 16:11 GMT
Extension of a power plant. Closing date: 1 October 2009
Gecol seeks to cut cost of Tripoli West power plant

14 August 2009, 17:27 GMT
State-run power plant developer asks contractors to submit lower prices for work awarded in 2007.
National Oil Corporation confirms reviews of Libyan output target

14 August 2009, 17:22 GMT
Tripoli has confirmed that it is reviewing its target of producing 3 million barrels a day (b/d) of oil by 2015.
Kuwait launches first public-private partnership power scheme

14 August 2009, 16:07 GMT
The newly created Partnerships Technical Bureau is to oversee Kuwait’s first public-private partnership (PPP) scheme, which will take the form of an independent water and power project (IWPP).
Yemen signs water deals with Japan

12 August 2009, 17:22 GMT
Yemen's Environment Minister Abdulrahman al-Eryani has signed a draft of the designs for 19 water projects with the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (Jica).
Firms submit prequalifications for Omani water scheme

12 August 2009, 16:21 GMT
Eight companies have submitted prequalification documents for a water scheme in Oman.
International Power reports 28 per cent rise in Middle East operating profit

12 August 2009, 11:59 GMT
The UK's International Power made an operating profit of $41m in the first half of the year in the Middle East, up from£32m for the same period in 2008.
Gulf Projects 10 August 2009: Index rises 0.7 per cent

11 August 2009, 19:27 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI Index rose by 0.7 per cent to reach just over $2.6bn in the week to 11 August. All of the region's markets experienced some growth this week.
Kuwait delays Mina Abdullah water scheme

11 August 2009, 15:42 GMT
Kuwait's Electricity & Water Ministry is delaying the deadline for bids for the construction of water pipelines from its Mina Abdullah water complex until 29 September.
Aljaber Engineering wins Doha West pipeline work

11 August 2009, 14:34 GMT
Qatar's Aljaber Engineering has won a QR136m ($37.4m) contract to supply treated effluent to a local farm.
Cairo to remove import tariffs on sugar

11 August 2009, 12:58 GMT
The Egyptian government will remove all import tariffs on raw and refined sugar, says Finance Minister Youssef Boutros Ghali.
Kuwait launches first private power and water scheme

10 August 2009, 15:56 GMT
Kuwait has invited companies to submit expressions of interest for a consultancy contract for the country’s first independent water and power project (IWPP).
Alfanar takes Saudi substation work

10 August 2009, 12:02 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Alfanar Construction Company has won two major substation contracts worth in total SR364m ($97m).
Tripoli plans tenfold rise in water capacity

7 August 2009, 15:11 GMT
General Desalination Company to commission a series of new plants and expand existing facilities.
Dewa delays bid deadline for power package at Hassyan

7 August 2009, 15:06 GMT
Contractors express concern over latest attempt to tender delayed plant.
Tripoli is right to tap investment

7 August 2009, 14:46 GMT
To say official statistics are hard to come by in Libya would be an understatement. So it comes as no surprise that there is no official estimate for the amount of water that the country will need by the middle of the next decade.
CDM and Acwa form partnership

6 August 2009, 14:50 GMT
The US’ CDM and Miahona, a subsidiary of the local Acwa Power Development, have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture to carry out water and wastewater projects in Saudi Arabia.
Oman issues Darsait wastewater tender

6 August 2009, 14:44 GMT
State-owned Haya Water, formerly Oman Wastewater Services Company, is inviting bids for the construction of the Darsait wastewater treatment plant.
Kuwait selects nuclear chief

3 August 2009, 15:50 GMT
Kuwait's National Committee for the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy has appointed Adnan Shehab Eddin as its secretary general, according to a report by state news agency Kuna on 3 August.
National River Port Management Company appoints new head

3 August 2009, 15:22 GMT
Egypt's National River Port Management Company (NRPMC) has appointed Michael Power as its new chief executive officer.
Central Bank of Egypt cuts interest rates

3 August 2009, 15:08 GMT
The Central Bank of Egypt cut interest rates by 0.5 per cent on 2 August.
Morocco: Independent power project

3 August 2009, 6:53 GMT
Independent power project. Closing date: 30 September 2009
Bidders face delay on nuclear deal

31 July 2009, 17:41 GMT
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has delayed the shortlisting of bidders for the UAE's nuclear power programme until the end of August, a source close to one contractor vying for the deal tells MEED.
Masdar to issue fresh tender for Shams 1 power project

31 July 2009, 17:18 GMT
Abu Dhabi power developer to relocate its proposed 100MW solar plant.
Solar plant is step in right direction

31 July 2009, 17:00 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company's (Masdar's) plans to develop a 100MW solar power plant have been postponed as the firm prepares to issue a new tender for the scheme.
Bids in for Darsait wastewater contracts

30 July 2009, 16:38 GMT
A total of 11 companies have bid for a consultancy services contract for the planned Darsait wastewater treatment plant in Oman.
Hanwha signs Yanbu power deal

30 July 2009, 15:50 GMT
South Korea's Hanwha Engineering & Construction Corporation has signed a SR2.7bn ($720m) contract with Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq) for the phase five and six expansions of the Yanbu Industrial City power plant.
Libya signs nuclear agreement with Canada

30 July 2009, 13:24 GMT
Libya and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding to co-operate on nuclear energy on 29 July in Tripoli.
Larsen & Toubro bids low for Oman substation

29 July 2009, 16:48 GMT
India's Larsen & Toubro is the low bidder for the contract to build a new substation in the Misfah area of the Muscat Governorate in Oman.
ILF Consulting to manage Ras al-Zour pipeline construction

29 July 2009, 16:04 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Saline Water Conversion Corporation has appointed Austria-based ILF Consulting Engineers as the engineer on the planned Ras al-Zour to Riyadh water pipeline.
Cairo ends sugar import duty

29 July 2009, 12:18 GMT
Egypt’s Trade & Industry Ministry has removed the custom duty on sugar imports, according to a ministry announced issued on 29 July.
Gulf Projects 25 July 2009: Index rises 1.1 per cent

29 July 2009, 11:52 GMT
The week to 27 July ended with the MEED Projects - CMI Index crossing the $2.6 trillion mark in a 1.1 per cent rise on the previous week. The increase was driven by the Qatari and Saudi Arabian project markets, which both expanded by 3 per cent.
Korea's Amco wins Libyan housing contract

28 July 2009, 16:11 GMT
South Korea's Amco has won a $420.5m contract to build public housing in Libya.
Mass Global Investment wins Dohuk power plant work

28 July 2009, 13:32 GMT
The local Mass Global Investment Company has won a $480m contract to build a power plant in the Dohuk province in Iraqi Kurdistan.
International Monetary Fund predicts 4 per cent growth in Egypt

28 July 2009, 13:15 GMT
Egypt’s rate of economic growth is expected to remain at 4 per cent in 2009/10, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
WorleyParsons signs deal with Saudi Electricity

27 July 2009, 15:47 GMT
Australia's WorleyParsons has signed a contract to manage the construction of pipelines to supply crude oil to two power plants in Saudi Arabia.
GCC launches first phase of interconnected grid

27 July 2009, 12:29 GMT
Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait connected their electricity grids together on 26 July as part of the first phase of the $1.1bn GCC power grid project.
Qatar electricity firm makes 19 per cent profit

27 July 2009, 11:57 GMT
Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) made a net profit of QR415m ($115m) in the six months to 30 June, marking an 18.9 per cent increase from QR349m for the same period in 2008.
Marafiq eases pressure on Yanbu with back-up power facility

24 July 2009, 15:58 GMT
Interim plant will be built following changes to plans for a larger project at the site.
Muscat drops power plant guarantees

24 July 2009, 15:36 GMT
Muscat plans to award the Barka 3 and Sohar 2 independent power projects (IPPs) to private developers without guaranteeing the state will pay for the electricity produced at the plants.
Gulf Projects 20 July 2009: Index rises 0.1 per cent

22 July 2009, 13:02 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI Index rose by 0.1 per cent for the second week in a row this week, surpassing $2.59 trillion. The value of projects on hold across the region was more than $535bn.
Doosan supplies generators to Iranian power plants

22 July 2009, 12:28 GMT
South Korea's Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction has signed a $96m contract to supply heat-recovery steam generators to four power plants in Iran.
Hanwha wins Yanbu power plant expansion deal

22 July 2009, 11:51 GMT
South Korea's Hanwha Engineering & Construction Corporation has won a $720m contract for the phase 5 and 6 expansion of the Yanbu Industrial City power plant.
National Contracting to build Abu Dhabi substation

22 July 2009, 11:28 GMT
Saudi Arabia's National Contracting Company (NCC) has won a contract to build a new 400kV substation at Silla in western Abu Dhabi.
Hyundai secures Kuwaiti power contract

21 July 2009, 16:19 GMT
South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction has won a contract to install 400kV transmission lines in Kuwait.
Egypt delays deadline for wind farm prequalification

21 July 2009, 13:24 GMT
The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) has delayed the deadline for the submission of prequalification documents for a wind farm project on the Gulf of Suez to 20 August.
Saudi Electricity profits fall 8 per cent

21 July 2009, 12:40 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company's (SEC) profits have fallen 8 per cent in the quarter to 30 June, according to a company statement issued to the Saudi Stock Exchange.
Moroccan inflation decreases

20 July 2009, 15:52 GMT
Morocco’s inflation rate fell 0.9 per cent in the year to June, according to figures released by the state planning body.
Firms line up for Omani water management scheme

20 July 2009, 12:53 GMT
A total of 18 companies have purchased prequalification documents for a water management scheme in Oman.
International Finance Corporation funds Algerian cement plant

20 July 2009, 12:02 GMT
The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank, will invest $24m in a cement company in Algeria so that the business can build a new cement plant.
Adwea subsidiary must stand alone

17 July 2009, 15:21 GMT
The shift will be gradual as Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company develops its own systems.
Abu Dhabi sewerage firm gains independence

17 July 2009, 14:09 GMT
Former Abu Dhabi Water Authority subsidiary will be spun off under legislation introduced on 1 July.
Egyptian firm bids low for Omani desalination plants

16 July 2009, 15:29 GMT
Egypt's International Desalination & Water Treatment is the low bidder for two separate contracts to build desalination plants in Oman.
Egypt extends ban on cement exports

16 July 2009, 13:06 GMT
Egypt's Trade & Industry Minister Rachid Rachid has issued a decree extending a cement export ban until 1 October 2010.
Van Oord wins Subiya dredging work in Kuwait

16 July 2009, 12:46 GMT
Van Oord of the Netherland's has won a contract for the deepening of a seawater outlet canal to serve the Subiya power and water plant in Kuwait.
Japan's Sojitz to build Shuaiba 3 substation in Saudi Arabia

15 July 2009, 16:11 GMT
Japan's Sojitz Corporation has signed a SR85m ($22.7m) contract for the construction of a substation in Saudi Arabia's Western Region.
Oman to issue Darsait wastewater plant tender

15 July 2009, 15:34 GMT
Oman's Haya Water intends to issue a tender in August for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant at Darsait in the Muscat governorate.
Riyadh combines Marafiq and Saline Water projects in Yanbu

15 July 2009, 11:44 GMT
Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) and the Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq) will go ahead with a joint project at Yanbu, said Abdullah al-Hussayen, the Minister for Electricity & Water on 14 July.
Gulf Projects 13 July 2009: Index rises 0.1 per cent

15 July 2009, 11:41 GMT
In the week to 13 July, the MEED Projects Index rose by 0.1 per cent to reach nearly $2.59 trillion. The value of projects on hold across the region stood at $535bn.
Kuwait issues tender for power transmission deal

14 July 2009, 15:32 GMT
Kuwait's Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a tender for the contract to supply and install overhead transmission lines across the country.
Muscat requests proposals for Barka 3 and Sohar 2 power projects

14 July 2009, 12:39 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has issued a request for proposals for the planned Barka 3 and Sohar 2 independent power projects (IPPs).
Yemen delays bidding for Marib 2 power plant

14 July 2009, 11:36 GMT
Yemen's Public Electricity Corporation (PEC) has delayed the deadline for bids on the planned Marib 2 power plant from 15 July to 15 August.
Larsen & Toubro bids low for Al-Sawadi substation

13 July 2009, 15:07 GMT
India's Larsen & Toubro is the low bidder for the contract to build a new substation in the Al-Sawadi area near Muscat.
Kuwait delays bids for Al-Zour North water plant

13 July 2009, 12:58 GMT
Kuwait's Electricity & Water Ministry has delayed the bid deadline for a project to build a drinking water complex at Al-Zour North to 8 September.
Riyadh signs Rabigh power plant agreements

13 July 2009, 12:18 GMT
A team of the local Acwa Power International and Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) has signed a series of agreements with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to build the planned SR9.3bn ($2.5bn) Rabigh independent power project (IPP).
Emirates willing to pay the price for power

10 July 2009, 16:57 GMT
The ministry acknowledged that burning liquid fuels carries high economic and environmental costs.
Abu Dhabi considers oil-fired plants

10 July 2009, 16:21 GMT
Growing gas deficit is forcing the emirate's electricity authority to look at alternative feedstocks.
Five bidders compete for Syrian independent power project

10 July 2009, 15:52 GMT
Five companies and bidding groups have submitted prequalification documents to Syria's Public Establishment for Electricity Generation & Transmission (PEEGT) for what would be the country's first independent power project (IPP).
Bahrain holds talks over Muharraq wastewater plant

10 July 2009, 15:14 GMT
A total of 10 groups expressed interest in the planned Muharraq wastewater treatment plant project by attending meetings with Bahrain's Works Ministry on 7 July.
Haya Water delays Darsait plant bids

9 July 2009, 15:28 GMT
Oman's Haya Water has delayed the bids deadline for two contracts on its planned Darsait wastewater treatment plant to 27 July.
Egyptian inflation decreases

9 July 2009, 14:48 GMT
Urban inflation in Egypt fell to 9.9 per cent in June from 10.2 per cent in May, according to the latest figures from the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation & Statistics.
Firms bid for Moroccan wind power scheme

9 July 2009, 12:54 GMT
Two groups have bid for a project to build a wind farm at Tarfaya on Morocco's Atlantic coast.
Gulf Projects 6 July 2009: Index rises 0.4 per cent

8 July 2009, 18:43 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI Index increased by 0.4 per cent in the week to 6 July. The value of projects on hold across the region reached $533bn.
World Bank lends $55m to Tunisia for energy scheme

8 July 2009, 16:14 GMT
The World Bank has approved a $55m loan to fund an energy efficiency and renewable investment project in Tunisia.
Actis buys stake in Commercial International Bank

8 July 2009, 15:35 GMT
London-based private equity firm Actis will pay $244m for a 9.3 per cent stake in Commercial International Bank, Egypt's largest private sector bank.
Al-Hassan Engineering wins Omani power plant deal

8 July 2009, 13:50 GMT
The local Al-Hassan Engineering Company has won a contract to build the Amal power plant in Oman.
Saudi Electricity to sign power purchase agreement

7 July 2009, 15:04 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) will sign a power purchase agreement with the developers of the Rabigh independent power project (IPP) on 11 July.
Firms bid for nuclear plant deal in Emirates

7 July 2009, 12:41 GMT
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has received three bids for the contract to build the UAE's first nuclear power plant.
Bids in for Jordanian nuclear research reactor

7 July 2009, 12:06 GMT
Four companies have submitted bids to build a nuclear research reactor in Jordan.
Cairo doubles export tax on rice

6 July 2009, 14:44 GMT
Egyptian Trade & Industry Minister Rachid Rachid has issued a decree doubling the export duty on rice.
Sete Energy wins Jubail wastewater expansion deal

6 July 2009, 12:24 GMT
Sete Energy Saudia for Industrial Projects has won a contract for the expansion of a wastewater treatment plant from Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq).
Power: Accounts have to be standardised in Saudi Arabia

3 July 2009, 14:52 GMT
Saudi independent water and power projects continue to attract the interest of foreign developers.
Marafiq abandons plans for independent power scheme in Saudi Arabia

3 July 2009, 12:19 GMT
Utility cancels Yanbu, but Riyadh PP11 project reaches the proposals stage.
Riyadh delays deadline for Rabigh bids

3 July 2009, 12:12 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is delaying its deadline for bids to build phase six of the Rabigh power plant until 31 October.
Why developers face higher taxes

2 July 2009, 15:22 GMT
The application of international accounting standards to the kingdom's independent water and power projects threatens to increase the companies' tax exposure and raise the tariffs they charge to the client.
Energoprojekt bids low for Hassyan substation consultancy

2 July 2009, 14:02 GMT
Serbia's Energoprojekt Entel is the low bidder for an engineering services contract for the construction of a 400kV substation and transmission lines at Hassyan in the southwest of Dubai emirate.
Impregilo secures Libya infrastructure work

1 July 2009, 16:15 GMT
Italy's Impregilo, through its Libyan subsidiary Impregilo Lidco, has won three contracts worth Eu360m ($507m) from the country's Housing & Infrastructure Works Ministry.
GE and Hyundai bid low for Subiya power work

1 July 2009, 15:15 GMT
A consortium of the US' GE and South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries is the low bidder for Kuwait's Subiya power plant project with a bid of KD766m ($2.7bn).
Rabat delays bid deadline for Safi power plant

1 July 2009, 13:34 GMT
Morocco's Office National de l'Electricite (One) has delayed the bid deadline for its project to build a coal-fired power plant at Safi on the Atlantic coast until the end of October.
Gulf Projects 29 June 2009: Index drops 1 per cent

1 July 2009, 12:46 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI Index fell by 1 per cent to reach $2.58 trillion in the week ending 29 June. The value of projects on hold across the region reached $527bn.
Bahwan bids low for Sohar substation

30 June 2009, 16:13 GMT
Five companies have bid for a contract to build a 220/132-kV substation and transmission lines to serve the Sohar industrial area in Oman.
Iran delays bids for Uromieh power plant conversion

30 June 2009, 14:59 GMT
Iran Power Development Company (IPDC) has dealyed the bid deadline for the Uromieh combined-cycle conversion to mid-July.
Prequalifications in for Syrian power project

30 June 2009, 13:09 GMT
Syria has closed the prequalification process for companies seeking to bid for the country's first independent power project (IPP).
Citadel Capital subsidiary buys Enjoy

29 June 2009, 15:53 GMT
Egypt’s Gozour, a subsidiary of private equity firm Citadel Capital, has acquired 100 per cent of Nile Company for Food Industries (Enjoy), one of the country’s leading dairy and juice producers.
Larsen & Toubro secures Nakhal substation deal

29 June 2009, 14:48 GMT
India's Larsen & Toubro has won an RO8.1m ($21m) contract to build a substation in Oman.
Bids in for Duqm plant advisory contracts

29 June 2009, 13:10 GMT
France’s Gide Loyrette Nouel is the lowest bidder for a legal advisory contract on Oman’s planned Duqm independent water and power project (IWPP).
Amman to award Aqaba nuclear study

26 June 2009, 19:40 GMT
Amman will award a site study contract for the country's first nuclear power plant at Aqaba by the end of August, says one source close to the scheme.
Muscat seeks to end delays on Salalah power project

26 June 2009, 19:32 GMT
Electricity and water authority has appointed an adviser to speed up stalled contract award process.
Downturn delays utilities capacity expansion in the Gulf

26 June 2009, 12:26 GMT
Power and water projects are being put on hold across the region as utilities providers lower their demand projections in the wake of the credit crunch, and developers struggle to secure funding.
Hyflux signs Libyan desalination deal

25 June 2009, 12:18 GMT
Singapore’s Hyflux and Libya’s General Desalination Company (GDC) have signed a memorandum of agreement to build two desalination plants in the country.
Swiss firm wins Algerian desalination plant contract

24 June 2009, 15:46 GMT
Switzerland-based ABB has won a $28m contract to build a substation to power a planned desalination plant at Mactaa in Algeria’s western Oran region.
Gulf Projects 22 June 2009: Index falls 0.1 per cent

24 June 2009, 13:10 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI Index declined by 0.1 per cent in the week to 22 June. The value of projects planned or under way across the region fell to $2.6 trillion, with a further $515bn on hold.
Bids in for Muscat wastewater network

23 June 2009, 16:12 GMT
Various companies have bid for the construction of wastewater networks in the Muscat governorate.
Societe Egyptienne secures Omani water contract

23 June 2009, 14:15 GMT
Societe Egyptienne d'Entreprises has won a RO13.7m ($35.7m) contract to supply water to the Adam al-Dakhliya region in Oman.
Egypt cuts interest rates

22 June 2009, 11:24 GMT
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has cut interest rates by 0.5 per cent to 9 per cent from 21 June.
GE bids low for Subiya power project

22 June 2009, 10:21 GMT
A consortium of the US' GE and South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries is the low bidder for Kuwait's Subiya power plant project, according to commercial offers.
Bemco bids low for power plant conversion in Saudi Arabia

19 June 2009, 17:33 GMT
A team of the local Arabian Bemco Contracting Company and South Korea's Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction is the low bidder for the Al-Qurayyah combined-cycle power plant project in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, with a bid of $1.85bn.
Tunis to invite contractors to prequalify for power export scheme

19 June 2009, 14:14 GMT
Mediterranean sub-sea cable will deliver 800MW of power a year to Italy.
Orascom wins $168m of infrastructure contracts

18 June 2009, 13:12 GMT
Orascom Construction Industries through its Construction Group has won infrastructure contracts worth $168m in Egypt.
Gulf Projects 15 June 2009: Index drops 1.8 per cent

17 June 2009, 14:45 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI Index dropped by 1.8 per cent in the week ending 15 June. The value of projects on hold across the region reached nearly $513bn.
Egypt to shortlist wind farm bidders in September

17 June 2009, 13:21 GMT
Cairo plans to issue a list of prequalified bidders for the country's first private wind farm project by September.
Pakistan's National Engineering wins Musanaah water deal

15 June 2009, 15:11 GMT
National Engineering Services Pakistan & Partners has won a contract to supervise the construction of a water distribution network in the Musanaah region in the north of Oman.
Saudi utilities are right to bond together

15 June 2009, 12:57 GMT
Government utilities working together will ensure Saudi Arabia's power and water demands are met.
Bids in for Subiya power plant

15 June 2009, 12:09 GMT
Three companies submitted bids for the planned Subiya power plant in Kuwait on 14 June.
Marafiq abandons private sector plan in Saudi Arabia

15 June 2009, 11:54 GMT
Yanbu water and power project brought back under government control because of funding difficulties.
Saudi Services wins South Dhahran substation deal

15 June 2009, 11:48 GMT
Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works Company has won a SR338m ($90m) transmission contract in the kingdom.
Contractors line up for work on Marib 2 power scheme

12 June 2009, 17:30 GMT
Contract for the third phase of the development will follow in coming months.
Bids due for Suez power plant package

11 June 2009, 16:21 GMT
The East Delta Electricity Company has issued a tender for the civil works package for the planned Ain Sokhna power plant, on the Gulf of Suez in Egypt.
Al-Mansoor bids low for Sharqiyah maintenance deal

11 June 2009, 12:43 GMT
The local Al-Mansoor International Company is the low bidder for the contract to operate and maintain the water transmission and distribution network in the Sharqiyah region of Oman.
US firm signs Addur power turbine deal

11 June 2009, 11:57 GMT
The US’ GE has signed contracts worth more than $500m to supply steam and gas turbines to Bahrain’s Addur independent water and power (IWPP) project.
Gulf Projects 08 June 2009: Index rises 0.1 per cent

10 June 2009, 16:26 GMT
In the week ending 8 June, the MEED Projects - CMI Index rose by 0.1 per cent. Iran was the fastest growing market, recording a 1.7 per cent increase in the value of projects planned or under way.
Firms to submit bids for Qurayyah power plant

10 June 2009, 9:42 GMT
Bidders for the Qurayyah combined cycle power plant project in Saudi Arabia will submit their commercial offers on 13 June.
Oman awards water management contract

10 June 2009, 9:37 GMT
A consortium led by the UK's KPMG has signed a contract to advise Oman's Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW) on developing and tendering the management contract for the sultanate's water sector.
Bidders line up for Bahraini water consultancy contract

10 June 2009, 9:33 GMT
Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) has received five bids for the consultancy contract for the 2009-2012 water transmission development project.
Cadagua bids low for Ajman desalination plants

8 June 2009, 15:00 GMT
A team of Spain’s Cadagua and the Ajman-based Essa Engineering & Marine Services is the low bidder for the contract to build two desalination plants at Al-Zawra in Ajman, in the UAE.
Libya awards gas project to Taqa Arabia

8 June 2009, 12:11 GMT
Taqa Arabia, a subsidiary of Cairo-based Citadel Capital, has won a Eu118m ($165m) contract to build a as distribution network in Libya.
Canadian firm secures power deal from Riyadh and Cairo

8 June 2009, 11:55 GMT
Canada's SNC Lavalin has won the contract to provide consultancy services on the planned electricity interconnection between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh has to act on water scheme

5 June 2009, 17:22 GMT
The utility has waited for more than a year for the Finance Ministry to approve credit support.
Riyadh reviews wastewater sell-off

5 June 2009, 11:38 GMT
State-run utility considers alternative procurement options for new wastewater plants in the capital.
Bahrain awards transmission upgrade deals

4 June 2009, 16:10 GMT
Bahrain's Electricity & Water Authority has awarded four contracts worth a total of BD115m ($305m) as part of its 2007-2011 transmission network upgrade programme.
Creative Energy Resources secures $50m for power investments

4 June 2009, 12:58 GMT
The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank, will invest up to $50m in Saudi Arabia's Creative Energy Resources (CER), an investment firm focused on the power sector in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
Muscat signs nuclear deal with Moscow

4 June 2009, 11:17 GMT
Oman and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to further nuclear energy co-operation.
World Bank advises Yemen on power privatisation plans

3 June 2009, 16:38 GMT
Yemen's Public Electricity Corporation will receive a report from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on how to proceed with independent power projects (IPPs) by mid-June, according to a source at the utility.
National Water Company appoints Deloitte as consultant

3 June 2009, 15:59 GMT
Saudi Arabia's National Water Company has appointed the US' Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu to act as its internal policies and procedures consultant.
Lebanon tenders wastewater contracts

3 June 2009, 13:22 GMT
Lebanon's Council for Development & Reconstruction has invited bidders to submit their proposals for the construction of a wastewater network system and three treatment plants in the Nabatieh district by 16 July.
Jordan to expand Al-Samra wastewater plant

2 June 2009, 16:26 GMT
Jordan's Water & Irrigation Ministry is seeking technical and financial consultants for the project to expand the Al-Samra wastewater treatment plant.
Gulf Projects 01 June 2009: Index drops 0.4 per cent

2 June 2009, 14:56 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI index fell 0.4 per cent in the week to 1 June. The value of projects planned or under way remained unchanged in most countries.
Marafiq to open bids for Yanbu power plant expansion

2 June 2009, 12:47 GMT
The Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq) is expected to open commercial bids for the phase 5 and 6 expansion of the Yanbu Industrial City power plant in July.
Gulf power trading agreement nears

2 June 2009, 12:22 GMT
The GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) plans to conclude a power exchange trading agreement before the end of June, say sources close to the GCC grid scheme.
Exysm wins Kuwaiti cables contract

1 June 2009, 15:26 GMT
Japan's Exysm Corporation with the local Abdullah al-Hamed al-Sagar & Bros has won a contract for the supply and extension of ground cables in Kuwait's Shuaiba area.
Masdar launches largest regional power plant

1 June 2009, 12:45 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has launched a 10MW solar photovoltaic power plant which will provide energy for construction work at Masdar City.
Aramco delays tender for Ras Tanura power plant

1 June 2009, 12:15 GMT
Saudi Aramco has delayed issuing a request for proposals for the planned Ras Tanura independent water, steam and power project (IWSPP), while it evaluates statements of qualification from potential bidders.
Merging facilities in Saudi Arabia makes sense

29 May 2009, 18:05 GMT
With two Saudi plants in such close proximity, it would be more efficient to build one big plant.
Tehran to tender power plant conversion

29 May 2009, 17:12 GMT
State electricity operator to introduce combined-cycle technology at five facilities to boost capacity.
Adwea to tender fourth power and water plant at Taweelah

29 May 2009, 15:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea) will tender its next independent water and power project (IWPP) at Taweelah before the end of the year.
Riyadh considers merging Ras al-Zour plants

29 May 2009, 11:09 GMT
Kingdom’s desalination and mining companies in talks over exploiting proximity of facilities.
Feature: Gulf power sector opens the door to China

28 May 2009, 18:13 GMT
Chinese firms are gaining their first taste of success in the GCC power and water projects market, but still need to overcome their perceived shortcomings if they are to compete effectively.
Gulf Projects 25 May 2009: Index rises 0.9 per cent

28 May 2009, 15:10 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI index rose by 0.9 per cent in the week ending 26 May. The increase was driven by an 11 per cent rise in the value of projects planned and under way in Oman.
Badr Investments seeks $425m for Jordan solar plant

27 May 2009, 16:46 GMT
Jordan's Badr Investments is leading a consortium that is trying to raise $425m for the kingdom's first solar power plant.
Libya and Ukraine sign nuclear power deal

27 May 2009, 16:17 GMT
The Ukraine and Libya have signed an agreement to share civilian nuclear technology.
Swiss firm wins Saudi transmission deal

27 May 2009, 12:25 GMT
Switzerland-based ABB has won a $100m contract to expand Saudi Arabia's transmission and distribution network.
Haya Water issues tenders for Darsait wastewater plant

26 May 2009, 15:40 GMT
Haya Water has issued a tender for a consultancy contract on its planned Darsait wastewater treatment plant in Oman.
WorleyParsons bids low for Oman solar power deal

26 May 2009, 13:24 GMT
Australia’s WorleyParsons is the low bidder for a consultancy contract for Oman’s first solar power plant.
Orascom prices New Cairo wastewater plant at $459m

26 May 2009, 12:24 GMT
Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries says its joint venture with Spain's Aqualia was the low bidder for the New Cairo wastewater treatment plant.
Riyadh reconsiders Yanbu ownership

22 May 2009, 16:39 GMT
Utility firms discuss bringing independent water and power project back under state control.
Relocation of Safi plant triggers concerns among contractors

22 May 2009, 16:16 GMT
Potential bidders on the Office National de l'Electricite's (One) planned coal-fired independent power project (IPP) are questioning whether the bid timetable is achievable after the utility announced a change of location for the plant.
Muharraq tender due before end of May

22 May 2009, 15:20 GMT
Bahrain's Tender Board has approved the request for proposals for the long-delayed Muharraq wastewater project and will issue it in the last week of May.
Kuwait delays bids for Riqqa plant maintenance

21 May 2009, 14:50 GMT
Kuwait's Public Works Ministry has delayed the bid deadline for a contract covering the operation and maintenance of the Riqqa wastewater treatment plant to 7 June from the original deadline of 24 May.
Obama approves Emirates nuclear deal

21 May 2009, 13:22 GMT
US President Barack Obama has approved a proposed nuclear co-operation agreement between the US and UAE.
Orascom bids low for New Cairo wastewater project

21 May 2009, 12:12 GMT
A team of Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries and Spain's Aqualia is the low bidder for a contract to build a wastewater treatment plant in New Cairo.
Saudi Electricity Company awards transmission contracts

20 May 2009, 17:38 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has awarded three major transmission contracts worth SR299m ($78m).
Indian firm wins Abu Dhabi power transmission work

20 May 2009, 16:49 GMT
India's KEC International has won a contract to build electricity transmission lines in Abu Dhabi.
Gulf Projects 18 May 2009: Index falls 0.5 per cent

20 May 2009, 16:38 GMT
In the week ending 18 May, the MEED projects - CMI index fell another 0.5 per cent to $2.63 trillion. A total of $482bn worth of projects are currently on hold across the region.
Global Chemicals wins Duqm plant deal

20 May 2009, 11:38 GMT
Oman's Global Chemicals & Maintenance Systems has won a contract for the construction of a power plant in the Duqm area of the sultanate.
Prysmian wins Qatar transmission contract

19 May 2009, 16:23 GMT
Italy's Prysmian Cables & Systems has won a Eu47m ($64m) contract as part of an extension to phase eight of Qatar's electricity transmission network expansion.
Larsen & Toubro wins Omani power contracts

19 May 2009, 14:27 GMT
India's Larsen & Toubro has won three contracts worth RO40.2m ($105m) in Oman for electricity transmission and tourism infrastructure work.
Bids in for Ajman desalination contract

19 May 2009, 12:55 GMT
Eight companies have bid for a contract to build two desalination plants in Ajman.
Copri wins Kuwait sewage upgrade work

18 May 2009, 15:07 GMT
Kuwait's Copri Construction Enterprise has won a contract for the renovation of sanitary drainage networks in the Hadiya and Riqqa areas.
Cairo to open financial bids for wastewater scheme

18 May 2009, 13:02 GMT
Egypt's Housing, Utilities & Urban Development Ministry has completed the technical evaluation of bids for the New Cairo wastewater treatment plant.
Saudi Electricity invites fresh bids for Rabigh power upgrade

15 May 2009, 17:38 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is inviting companies to bid by 13 July for a project to increase the capacity of its Rabigh power plant.
Cairo plans private sector wind farms

15 May 2009, 16:28 GMT
Government seeks to generate 20 per cent of country's electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
Emirates shortlists three groups for first nuclear power plant

15 May 2009, 16:05 GMT
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation plans to award contract in August.
Egypt's central bank cuts interest rates

15 May 2009, 11:31 GMT
A decision by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) to cut interest rates for the third time this year comes into effect today.
WorleyParsons wins Egyptian nuclear power deal

14 May 2009, 15:10 GMT
Egypt's Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA) has awarded a consultancy contract for the country's nuclear power programme to Australia's WorleyParsons.
Orascom Construction profits down 77 per cent

14 May 2009, 12:27 GMT
Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) has reported a 77 per cent decline in net profits in the first three months of 2009.
Taqa reports 69 per cent fall in profits

14 May 2009, 12:01 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) suffered a 69 per cent decline in net profits in the first quarter.
Target wins Emal power plant deal

13 May 2009, 17:29 GMT
UAE-based Target Engineering Construction Company, a subsidiary of Arabtec Holding, has won a AED71m ($19m) contract on the Emirates Aluminium (Emal) power plant.
Tabreed profits rise 32 per cent

13 May 2009, 16:57 GMT
UAE-based National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) has reported a 32 per cent increase in profits during the first three months of 2009.
Taqa signs Jorf Lasfar expansion deal

13 May 2009, 15:09 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has signed a contract to expand the Jorf Lasfar independent power project (IPP) in Morocco.
Amman invites prequalifications for Fujeij wind farm

12 May 2009, 15:43 GMT
Jordan's Energy & Mineral Resources Ministry has issued a request for prequalification for a project to build a wind farm at Fujeij, near Amman.
Bids in for Manama North Shore water work

12 May 2009, 13:03 GMT
Two companies have bid for a project to divert water transmission pipelines as part of the redevelopment of Manama North Shore in Bahrain.
Bidders show interest in Duqm advisory deals

12 May 2009, 12:10 GMT
A total of 19 companies have purchased tender documents for a technical advisory contract on Oman's planned Duqm independent water and power project (IWPP).
Bidders line up for Oman solar power project

11 May 2009, 16:03 GMT
About 55 companies have purchased tender documents for a consultancy contract for Oman's first solar power project.
Gulf projects 11 May 2009: Index falls 0.5 per cent

11 May 2009, 15:07 GMT
In the week to 11 May, the MEED Projects - CMI index fell by 0.5 per cent. As of 5 May, MEED has begun tracking the value of projects on hold across the region.
Gulf projects 05 May 2009: Index falls 15.1 per cent

11 May 2009, 13:42 GMT
The MEED Projects - CMI Index was revised on 5 May to exclude the value of on hold projects across the Gulf. This resulted in a 15.1 per cent fall in the value of the index in the week to 5 May.
Al-Toukhi and Poyry sign co-operation memorandum

11 May 2009, 12:45 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Al-Toukhi Company for Industry, Trading & Contracting and Finland-based Poyry Energy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together on power projects.
Inflation rises to 12.2 per cent in Egypt

11 May 2009, 12:02 GMT
Egyptian inflation rose to 12.2 per cent in April from 11.6 per cent in the year to March 2009.
Maaden begins prequalification for Ras al-Zour plant

8 May 2009, 16:31 GMT
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) is prequalifying bidders as part of plans to retender a contract to build a power and water plant to serve its aluminium complex at Ras al-Zour.
Kahramaa scales back expansion plans in Qatar

8 May 2009, 15:45 GMT
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation cuts 10 per cent of planned transmission development.
Oman's Barka 3 and Sohar 2 tender due in June

7 May 2009, 16:14 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) plans to issue a request for proposals for its Barka 3 and Sohar 2 independent power projects (IPP) on 13 June.
Egypt begins prequalification for Suez wind farm

7 May 2009, 13:49 GMT
Cairo is moving ahead with its first privately developed renewable energy project, a 250-MW wind farm to be built on the Gulf of Suez.
Agency assigns stable foreign currency rating to Libya

7 May 2009, 13:28 GMT
Fitch Ratings has assigned a long-term foreign currency issuer rating of BBB+ to Libya.
Saudi Electricity tender due

6 May 2009, 17:06 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) plans to issue a request for proposals for its Riyadh PP11 independent power project before the end of May.
Tabreed appoints chief executive

6 May 2009, 15:57 GMT
National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) has appointed Sujit Parhar as its new chief executive officer.
Firms line up for Bizerte power plant

6 May 2009, 11:58 GMT
Developers submitted their prequalification documents for the Bizerte independent power project (IPP) in Tunisia on 30 April.
Egypt ends nuclear talks with Bechtel

5 May 2009, 16:22 GMT
The Egyptian Nuclear Power Plants Authority has stopped negotiations with the US' Bechtel for a consultancy contract on the country's nuclear power programme.
Saudi Electricity signs transmission deals

5 May 2009, 13:02 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has signed two contracts worth SR410m ($109m) for the construction of transmission lines in Mecca and Jeddah with two local companies.
Adwea to sell Fujairah stake to Taqa

5 May 2009, 11:57 GMT
Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea) announced it will sell a majority stake in its Fujairah 2 independent water and power project (IWPP) to Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa).
GCC Wastewater 2009: The drive for capacity

3 May 2009, 8:26 GMT
Sewage treatment capacity will have to more than double over the next six years, according to new MEED Insight report GCC Wastewater 2009.
Riyadh takes control of Ras al-Zour project

1 May 2009, 15:32 GMT
Saline Water Conversion Corporation to finance power and water scheme, with tenders due in August.
Sembcorp loses preferred bidder status on Salalah

1 May 2009, 14:03 GMT
Group's tariff change proposal is rejected as client asks for bid revalidations.
Banks line up for Addur financing

30 April 2009, 14:29 GMT
A total of 14 banks have given firm commitments to an eight-year loan for the planned Addur independent water and power project in Bahrain.
Bids in for Doha East and Al-Zour South plants

30 April 2009, 13:55 GMT
South Korea’s Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction with Kuwaiti contractor Mutajer al-Khaleej United General Trading & Contracting Company is the low bidder for two contracts covering the design, supply and installation of distilled water treatment units at the Doha East and Al-Zour South power and water plants.
Mediterranean union launches $1.3bn infrastructure fund

30 April 2009, 12:18 GMT
The Union for the Mediterranean launched a new regional infrastructure development fund at its meeting in Alexandria on 30 April.
Sharjah plans Al-Sajaa wastewater plant

29 April 2009, 17:10 GMT
Sharjah municipality is planning to build a AED1.2bn ($327m) wastewater treatment plant in the Al-Sajaa Industrial area.
Kuwait allows foreign currency pricing on Subiya power plant

29 April 2009, 16:00 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has allowed contractors to offer prices for the Subiya power plant project in foreign currency, according to a source close to the scheme.
Oman issues legal advisory tender for Duqm plant

29 April 2009, 13:16 GMT
Oman's Tender Board issued a third tender for the planned Duqm independent water and power project (IWPP) on 29 April.
Kuwait delays Subiya dredging tender

28 April 2009, 16:05 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has delayed the bid deadline for a contract to deepen a seawater outlet canal at the Subiya power and water distillation station to 19 May.
Oman issues advisory tenders for Duqm power project

28 April 2009, 12:46 GMT
The Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has retendered the advisory services for its planned Duqm independent water and power project (IWPP).
Oman issues substation tenders

28 April 2009, 12:40 GMT
Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has issued tenders for two major substation contracts in the sultanate.
Gulf projects 27 April 2009

27 April 2009, 19:22 GMT
The MEED Projects Index remained unchanged in the week ending 27 April. The value of projects planned or under way in Kuwait rose by 0.6 per cent, the highest rate in the region.
Bids in for New Cairo wastewater treatment plant

27 April 2009, 14:56 GMT
A total of five companies and groups have bid for the New Cairo wastewater treatment plant project.
Ernst & Young wins Ghubrah plant consultancy

27 April 2009, 12:40 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has awarded a OR990,000 ($2.6m) advisory contract for the planned Ghubrah independent water and power project (IWPP) to a consortium led by the UK-based Ernst & Young as technical adviser.
Kuwait retenders Subiya power plant

27 April 2009, 11:53 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a new tender for the Subiya power plant.
Contractors prequalify for Ras Tanura plant construction

17 April 2009, 16:26 GMT
Potential bidders have submitted prequalification documents for the construction of the planned Ras Tanura independent water, steam and power project (IWSPP).
Oman reassesses bids for Salalah water and power plant

17 April 2009, 15:52 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) is preparing to reopen talks with the second and third-ranked bidders on the Salalah independent water and power project (IWPP), sources close to the scheme tell MEED.
Ras al-Zour comes under Saudi government control

17 April 2009, 10:53 GMT
Riyadh scraps private sector involvement in favour of engineering, procurement and construction deal.
Kuwait delays deadline for water pipeline

16 April 2009, 13:50 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has pushed back the deadline for bids for the construction of potable water pipelines from 14 April to 2 June.
Qatar Electricity & Water announces 8.6 per cent profit rise

16 April 2009, 13:13 GMT
Qatar Electricity & Water Company's (QEWC) first quarter net profits are up 8.6 per cent compared with the same period a year ago.
Muharraq wastewater plant tender due

16 April 2009, 12:37 GMT
The Bahraini government has informed prequalified bidders on its planned Muharraq wastewater treatment plant that it will issue a request for proposals by the end of April at the earliest.
Qatar postpones deadlines for bids on power packages

15 April 2009, 14:17 GMT
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has extended the deadlines for bids for several packages on its phase nine project to expand the country's electricity transmission network.
Bids in for Yanbu power plant expansion

15 April 2009, 11:47 GMT
A total of five companies have submitted bids for the contract to build phase five and six of the Yanbu Industrial city power plant in Saudi Arabia.
Subiya power plant retender nears

14 April 2009, 15:50 GMT
Contractors expect Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry to issue a new tender for its planned Subiya power plant on 19 April.
Gulf projects 13 April 2009

14 April 2009, 11:46 GMT
The MEED Projects index has again ground to a halt, with no growth in the value of projects planned or under way in the Gulf in the week to 13 April. Only Oman witnessed a 0.5 per cent increase in the size of its portfolio of projects.
Saudi Electricity announces plant prequalifiers

14 April 2009, 11:06 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has announced the list of companies prequalified for its planned Riyadh PP11 independent power project.
Mott MacDonald bids low for Dubai power deal

14 April 2009, 10:49 GMT
Mott MacDonald is the low bidder for the contract to provide consultancy services for a load forecast and system masterplan for Dubai Electricity & Water Authority.
Emirates sets the nuclear standard

9 April 2009, 18:54 GMT
The UAE’s atomic agency expects to award a contract for the first facility before the end of this year.
Project market will find a floor in Dubai

9 April 2009, 18:40 GMT
The injection of $10bn in cash from its sovereign bond issue has bought Dubai some room for manoeuvre.
Emirates prequalifies bidders for nuclear power programme

9 April 2009, 18:34 GMT
Contract to build UAE’s first nuclear power plant to be awarded in third quarter.
Marafiq to increase desalination capacity at Yanbu plant

9 April 2009, 17:13 GMT
Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq) will increase the desalination capacity of the Yanbu independent water and power project (IWPP) plant to 143 million gallons a day (g/d), according to local sources.
Kuwait to spend $11.2bn on power and water schemes

9 April 2009, 16:50 GMT
Tenders to be issued by the end of the year for plants to add 6,700MW of capacity.
Sphinx Egypt sets up distressed assets fund

8 April 2009, 15:04 GMT
Egypt’s Sphinx Private Equity Management (Sphinx Egypt), a subsidiary of Citadel Capital, has launched a $100m fund that will target distressed assets.
Saudi power developers

8 April 2009, 14:59 GMT
The six main igures leading Saudi Arabia’s electricity generation projects are: Saad Hariri, Eric Lecesne, Yousef Alireza, Paddy Padmanathan, Walid Basoudan and Fareed al-Yagout.
ABB wins work on Algerian substations

8 April 2009, 13:08 GMT
Switzerland-based ABB has won a $56m contract from Algeria's state-owned utility company Sonelgaz.
Veolia wins Doha South wastewater deal

8 April 2009, 12:47 GMT
France's Veolia has won a QR261m ($71.7m) contract for the operation and maintenance of the Doha South sewage treatment plant in Qatar.
Jordan retenders Zarqa wastewater plant

7 April 2009, 15:53 GMT
Jordan’s Environment Ministry and the Zarqa Chamber of Industry have reissued a tender for the construction of the Zarqa Central industrial wastewater treatment plant.
Aqualyng opens Dubai office

7 April 2009, 15:29 GMT
Norwegian desalination provider, Aqualyng, has announced the opening of its new Middle East headquarters in Dubai.
Kuwait delays Al-Zour South deadline

7 April 2009, 12:30 GMT
Kuwait’s Water & Electricity Ministry has delayed the deadline for bids on the design, supply and installation of a distillation unit at the Al-Zour South power and water plant until 28 April.
Gulf projects 6 April 2009

6 April 2009, 17:37 GMT
The MEED Projects index fell by 0.4 per cent in the week to 6 April.
Islamic Development Bank approves fund for Kenitra plant

6 April 2009, 15:28 GMT
The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $196.7m 'instalment sale' for the Kenitra power plant project in Morocco.
Companies line up for Oman solar project

6 April 2009, 13:00 GMT
Six companies have purchased tender documents for a feasibility study for a large-scale solar power project in Oman.
Dubai Investments Park expands substation network

6 April 2009, 12:13 GMT
Dubai Investments Park (DIP) will house a total of 14 new substations to serve the business and residential development.
Nuclear power is self-sufficiency in Jordan

3 April 2009, 18:16 GMT
Atomic energy will play a huge role in meeting the country’s growing electricity demand.
Riyadh backs power investment company

3 April 2009, 17:53 GMT
Water & Electricity Holding Company will invest in the kingdom’s independent water and power projects.
Amman receives bids for nuclear study

3 April 2009, 17:02 GMT
Six firms are competing for site study contract for facility to be built 9 kilometres east of Aqaba.
Sumitomo seeks partner for Ras al-Zour

3 April 2009, 13:33 GMT
Consortium hopes deal with power company will protect its position as preferred bidder on the project.
ABB wins Hassi R'Mel solar deal

2 April 2009, 12:21 GMT
Switzerland-based ABB has won a $14m contract on Algeria's 150MW Hassi R'Mel solar hybrid power plant.
Moody’s downgrades Dubai firms

2 April 2009, 8:12 GMT
Moody’s has downgraded two Dubai government-backed companies and confirmed its ratings for four others. The outlook on all the ratings is negative.
Gulf projects 30 March 2009

1 April 2009, 16:29 GMT
The MEED Projects Index showed no change in the overall value of projects under way or planned in the week to 30 March.
Oman issues solar consultancy tender

1 April 2009, 14:23 GMT
Oman’s Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW) has issued a tender for consultants for the sultanate's first large-scale solar power plant.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi sign power cable deal with Ducab

1 April 2009, 13:57 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority and Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority have signed an agreement with Dubai-based cable company Ducab to manufacture high voltage cables.
AES Corporation approaches firms over power assets sale

1 April 2009, 12:57 GMT
The US’s AES Corporation has approached companies about the sale of its power assets in Jordan, Oman and Pakistan.
Taqa wins Moroccan power plant deal

31 March 2009, 17:09 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has won a contract to extend the Jorf Lasfar coal-fired power plant in Morocco, said Majid Houssaini.
Saudi power privatisation plans move ahead

31 March 2009, 17:00 GMT
The board of Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has approved the unbundling of the utility into four separate generation companies, according to Abdullah al-Shehri, vice-governor for regulatory affairs at the Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (Ecra).
Abu Dhabi reveals Shuweihat financing options

31 March 2009, 16:50 GMT
International government agencies could contribute up to 50 per cent of the long-term financing for the Shuweihat 2 independent water and power project (IWPP), according to Abdulla Saif al-Nuaimi, director of privatisation at Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea).
Oman issues Sohar transmission tender

31 March 2009, 16:19 GMT
Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has issued a tender for the construction of a substation and associated transmission lines in the Sohar Industrial Area.
Power: Riyadh must lead the way

27 March 2009, 21:14 GMT
Abandoning the IWPP model on Ras al-Zour would have repercussions. The financial crisis has by no means derailed the kingdom’s plans.
Suez in talks over Addur equity sale

27 March 2009, 20:16 GMT
Belgium’s Suez Energy International and Kuwait’s Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) are in talks with potential partners over the sale of an equity stake in the planned Addur independent water and power project (IWPP).
Nakheel halves wastewater capacity at International City

27 March 2009, 19:07 GMT
Dubai-based property developer Nakheel has reduced capacity at its planned International City wastewater treatment plant by 50 per cent, from 88,000 cubic metres a day (cm/d) to 44,000 cm/d.
Cairo's economic growth slows to 4.1 per cent

26 March 2009, 16:41 GMT
Egypt’s economic growth slowed to 4.1 per cent in the six months from July to December 2008, according to the latest figures released by the Trade & Industry Ministry.
Saudi power privatisation plans hit delays

26 March 2009, 15:09 GMT
Funding issues at Ras al-Zour highlight the hurdles Riyadh faces as it seeks to sell off power and water assets.
Oman power demand grows

26 March 2009, 12:44 GMT
Oman’s power demand will grow by 8.5 per cent a year, according to the main state body in charge of Oman's power sector.
Terna wins Al-Kamshah wind project

26 March 2009, 12:09 GMT
Jordan's Energy & Mineral Resources Ministry has selected a team of Greek firms Terna Energy and Vector Aeolian Parks, and the local Enara Energy Investments as the preferred bidder to build a wind farm at Al-Kamshah.
Cairo budget deficit to reach 8.4 per cent

25 March 2009, 16:44 GMT
Egypt’s budget deficit is expected to rise to 8.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009/10 from 6.9 per cent in 2008/09, Finance Minister Youssef Boutros Ghali was quoted as saying by state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper.
Rakeen issues tender for Al-Marjan wastewater plant

25 March 2009, 16:09 GMT
Ras al-Khaimah’s Rakeen Development has issued a tender for a $120m wastewater treatment plant to serve Al-Marjan island.
Bahrain set to confirm Muharraq bidders

25 March 2009, 12:49 GMT
Bahrain’s Works Ministry has informed prequalified bidders for the $150m Muharraq wastewater treatment plant that it will let them know by 10 April when it will issue a request for proposals for the scheme.
Target wins Qurayat water project

24 March 2009, 16:08 GMT
Omani contractor Target has won a contract for a scheme to supply water to Qurayat, southeast of Oman's capital Muscat.
Oman tenders Khadra plant

24 March 2009, 12:31 GMT
Oman’s Rural Area’s Electricity Company (RAEC) has issued a tender for a new power plant at Al-Khadra in the Wusta region.
Kuwait tenders Jabriya wastewater work

24 March 2009, 12:08 GMT
Kuwait’s Public Works Ministry has issued a tender for phase 10 of its programme to renovate the country’s wastewater networks.
Bluewater Bio signs agreement with Nesma Group

23 March 2009, 16:02 GMT
The UK’s Bluewater Bio International has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Nesma Group to role out a proprietary wastewater treatment process across the kingdom.
Egypt unemployment falls to 8.8 per cent

23 March 2009, 13:13 GMT
Unemployment in Egypt dropped to 8.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2008 from 9.1 per cent the previous year, according to state news agency MENA.
Egypt extends rice ban to October

23 March 2009, 12:41 GMT
Egypt's export ban on rice will remain in place until 1 October 2009, Egyptian Trade & Industry Minister Rachid Rachid has announced.
Linking Saudi and Egyptian power grids is good first step

20 March 2009, 17:59 GMT
The potential for exchanging power stretches far beyond the borders of the kingdom and Egypt.
Cairo issues tender for Saudi power link

20 March 2009, 15:17 GMT
Bids are due on 29 March for the consultancy contract for the scheme to link Egyptian and Saudi grids.
Zohal bids low for Bahraini sewage work

19 March 2009, 13:01 GMT
The local Zohal Construction Company is the low bidder for sewage networks to serve the Maameer and North Refinery industrial areas in Bahrain.
Abu Dhabi extends Ruwais bid deadline

19 March 2009, 12:40 GMT
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has extended the bid deadline for the project to expand its general utilities and power plant at Ruwais to the end of March.
Ras al-Zour financing unravels

19 March 2009, 12:13 GMT
The near collapse of the Gulf’s biggest equity financing deal since the start of the downturn is casting doubt on the kingdom’s plans for privatising the energy sector.
Orascom wins Abu Qir power plant work

19 March 2009, 11:24 GMT
Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) has won the $258m civil works contract on the planned Abu Qir power plant.
Egypt to launch financial regulator

18 March 2009, 17:28 GMT
Egypt will launch a single regulator for its non-bank financial institutions in July, Investment Minister Mahmoud Mohieldin told The Egypt Investor Conference in London in a video presentation on 18 March.
Civil Contracting bids low for Qurum power work

18 March 2009, 11:41 GMT
Oman's Civil Contracting Company (Civilco) is the low bidder for a transmission network contract at Qurum.
ABB wins Kuwait electricity contract

17 March 2009, 16:09 GMT
Switzerland-based ABB has won a transmission network contract worth $400m from Kuwait's Electricity & Water Ministry.
Ras al-Zour power plant retender nears

17 March 2009, 12:22 GMT
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) is preparing to invite contractors to prequalify for the project to build a captive power plant at a planned integrated aluminium complex at Ras al-Zour, according to a source in the kingdom's power sector.
Marafiq delays Yanbu expansion deadline

17 March 2009, 11:58 GMT
Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq) has delayed the bid deadline for the phase 5 and 6 expansion of the Yanbu Industrial City power plant until 6 April.
Cairo signs $1bn loans for Ain Sokhna plant

16 March 2009, 15:25 GMT
Cairo has signed two loan agreements for the construction of a 1,300MW steam power plant at Ain Sokhna, on the Gulf of Suez.
Riyadh to sign deal with Acwa and Korea Electric

16 March 2009, 12:25 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) confirmed a consortium of Korea Electric Power Corporation and the local Acwa Power International as the first-ranked bidder for the $2.5bn Rabigh independent power project (IPP) on 14 March.
Ministry delays New Cairo wastewater scheme

16 March 2009, 11:30 GMT
Egypt’s Housing, Utilities & Urban Development Ministry through the New Urban Communities Authority has delayed the deadline for bids for the planned New Cairo wastewater treatment plant by three weeks to 21 April.
Riyadh to consider changing Ras al-Zour contract model

13 March 2009, 16:42 GMT
The board of directors of Saudi Arabia’s Water & Electricity Company (WEC) will hold a meeting within weeks to decide the fate of the Ras al-Zour independent water and power project (IWPP).
Abu Dhabi assesses sites for power plants

13 March 2009, 16:04 GMT
Abu Dhabi utility considers Shuweihat and Taweelah for independent water and power project.
Saudi wastewater privatisation plans face further delays

13 March 2009, 15:26 GMT
National Water Company resubmits request for credit support for projects.
Acwa Power Projects

13 March 2009, 0:00 GMT
The meteoric rise of Acwa has staggered observers and made it one of Saudi Arabia’s leading developers.
Metito

13 March 2009, 0:00 GMT
Managing director Fady Juez outlines plans to float the company within three years.
Oman to issue request for proposals for Barka 3 in 2009

12 March 2009, 16:48 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company is expected to issue a request for proposals for the planned Barka 3 independent water and power project (IWPP) in the second quarter of 2009.
Dubai extends deadline for Hassyan P station pipelines

12 March 2009, 13:12 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has extended the deadline for bids for a transmission contract associated with the Hassyan P Station project.
Yemen issues power law

12 March 2009, 12:39 GMT
Sanaa has issued a new electricity law aimed at ensuring the security of power supplies in the country.
Kahramaa delays Qatar transmission project deadlines

11 March 2009, 16:21 GMT
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has extended the bid deadlines for several major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, which form part of the planned phase nine expansion of the country's electricity transmission network.
Libya sets up Public Utilities Ministry

11 March 2009, 13:35 GMT
Tripoli has set up a Public Utilities Ministry to replace the abolished Electricity, Water & Gas Ministry.
Jordan issues carbon credits tender

11 March 2009, 12:44 GMT
Jordan’s Samra Electric Power Generating Company (Sepgco) has issued a tender for a company to trade carbon credits.
Gulf projects 9 March 2009

11 March 2009, 12:24 GMT
In the week ending 9 March, the MEED Projects index rose by 0.2 per cent for the second week in a row.
Saudi water consultancy award due

10 March 2009, 15:47 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) plans to award the technical, legal and financial consultancy contracts on the Greater Dammam, Medina and Mecca public-private-partnership scheme by the end of March.
Egypt's urban inflation falls to 13.5 per cent

10 March 2009, 13:08 GMT
Egyptian urban inflation fell to 13.5 per cent in February, down from 14.3 per cent in January, according to figures released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics on 10 March .
Marsh bids low for Bahraini electricity deals

10 March 2009, 11:59 GMT
Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority has received bids from advisers for two risk consultancy contracts.
US to fund Jordan nuclear storage facility

9 March 2009, 14:39 GMT
The US and Jordan have signed a deal covering the construction of a central storage facility for radioactive waste in the kingdom.
Kuljian wins Sitra refurbishment work

9 March 2009, 12:42 GMT
The US' Kuljian Corporation has won a consultancy contract to refurbish the Sitra power and desalination plant in Bahrain.
Kuwait issues tender for drinking water complex

9 March 2009, 11:55 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry issued a tender for the construction of the Al-Zour 2 drinking water complex on 8 March.
Morocco extends bid deadline for Safiplant

6 March 2009, 16:33 GMT
Office National de l’Electricite (ONE) has extended its deadline for bids to build a coal-fired power plant at Safi, between Casablanca and Agadir on Morocco’s west coast, until 30 June.
Doubts emerge over future of Duqm coal-fired power plant

6 March 2009, 14:58 GMT
Progress on project stalls as regulator fails to sanction use of coal to fuel plants.
Emirates NBD to convert $1.7bn government deposits

5 March 2009, 15:43 GMT
Emirates NBD is seeking to convert AED6.3bn ($1.7bn) of emergency government deposits into capital to help it weather the financial crisis, according to media reports.
Libya reshuffles cabinet

5 March 2009, 13:04 GMT
Libya’s General People’s Congress named Moussa Koussa, head of the country’s external intelligence service, as foreign minister on 4 March.
Kuwait delays water plants' deadlines

5 March 2009, 12:15 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has delayed the deadlines on two separate tenders for the supply of water distillation units in the country.
Dolphin $3bn refinancing responses due

4 March 2009, 16:53 GMT
Bank responses for the $3bn refinancing of the Dolphin Energy pipeline project, which supplies Qatari gas to the UAE and Oman, are due at the end of March.
Kuwait awards substation deal to Saudi firm

4 March 2009, 13:51 GMT
Kuwait's Electricity & Water Ministry has awarded a contract to build transformers at the Saad al-Abdullah substation to Saudi Arabia's National Contracting Company (NCC).
National Contracting bids low for Minagish substations

4 March 2009, 12:29 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s National Contracting Company is the low bidder for the contract to build two 132/11kV substations at the Minagish oil field in western Kuwait.
Tripoli begins wealth distribution talks

3 March 2009, 15:44 GMT
The General People’s Congress, Libya’s equivalent of parliament, is discussing Muammar Gaddafi’s proposal to dissolve many of the country’s ministries and give oil revenues directly to the people.
Dubai delays bid deadline for power deal

3 March 2009, 12:30 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has extended the bid deadline for the consultancy contract for a load forecast and system masterplan to 11 March.
Oman to issue solar power tender

3 March 2009, 11:38 GMT
Oman is expected to issue a request for proposals to consultants for the country’s first solar power plant project by the middle of March.
Trans Arabian to upgrade Saudi plants

2 March 2009, 13:22 GMT
Trans Arabian Technical Services Company, a Saudi contractor, has won a contract for the upgrade of three power plants in the kingdom.
Gulf projects 2 March 2009

2 March 2009, 13:10 GMT
The MEED Projects index grew by 0.2 per cent to surpass the $3 trillion mark for the first time.
Kuwait tenders Doha East work

2 March 2009, 12:51 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a tender for the design, supply and installation of a distilled water treatment unit at the Doha East power and water plant.
Abengoa and Total take lead for Masdar power plant

2 March 2009, 11:43 GMT
A team of Spain’s Abengoa Solar and France’s Total are the preferred bidder for Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company’s (Masdar) Shams 1 power plant.
Marafiq reviews capacity at Yanbu plant

1 March 2009, 7:49 GMT
Decision over whether to cut or boost output at the planned power plant will be announced in March.
Contractors show interest in second Saudi Electricity plant

1 March 2009, 7:07 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has received significant interest in its PP11 independent power project (IPP), with 15 companies and consortiums submitting prequalification documents in late January.
Jordan signs nuclear co-operation deal with Russia

27 February 2009, 12:35 GMT
Moscow and Amman have initialled a co-operation agreement under which Russia will help Jordan develop nuclear power and desalination plants and research centres.
Thiess to manage Abu Dhabi's building waste

27 February 2009, 12:04 GMT
Thiess Services Middle East has signed a 15-year concession agreement with Abu Dhabi’s Centre for Waste Management.
National Engineering bids low for Musanaah water consultancy

27 February 2009, 11:45 GMT
The local National Engineering Office is the low bidder for the construction supervision contract for water distribution networks in Oman’s northern Al-Musanaah region.
Bids in for Bahrain transmission network work

26 February 2009, 12:46 GMT
Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority has opened bids for several contracts which form part of its 2007-2011 transmission network development programme. The bids were opened on 26 February.
Ansari bids low for Muscat wastewater scheme

26 February 2009, 12:14 GMT
The local Al-Ansari Trading Enterprise is the low bidder for the contract to build a sewage system covering several areas of Muscat governorate.
Dewa extends P Station deadlines

26 February 2009, 11:33 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has delayed the project to build the P Station power and water plant at Hassyan by six months.
Saudi Electricity agrees turbine supply deal for Riyadh plant

25 February 2009, 13:09 GMT
The US' GE has signed a contract for almost $1bn to supply Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) with more than 30 gas turbines for its PP10 power plant to be built in Riyadh.
Larsen & Toubro wins transmission work in UAE

25 February 2009, 12:51 GMT
India's Larsen & Toubro has won power transmission contracts worth£231m in the UAE.
Tunisia launches Bizerte power project

25 February 2009, 11:11 GMT
State utility Societe Tunisienne de l’Electricite et du Gaz (Steg) has issued a request for prequalification for an independent power project at Bizerte on the coast northwest of Tunis.
Ajman sewage network nears completion

24 February 2009, 12:49 GMT
Ajman Sewerage Private Company is close to completing work on the first phase of its sewage network project in Ajman, the company announced in a statement on 24 February.
Kuwait to retender Subiya power plant

24 February 2009, 12:05 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry is expected to retender the Subiya power plant project imminently, according to a source close to the scheme.
Deadline for Yanbu power plant expansion delayed

24 February 2009, 11:47 GMT
Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq) has extended the bid deadline for the phase five and six expansions of a power plant at Yanbu Industrial City by a month.
Charter maintains Libya's balance of power

22 February 2009, 8:21 GMT
Tripoli is set to unveil a draft of its new constitution by the end of February, the first time the country will have had a code of principles governing political life since Muammar Gaddafi ousted King Idris from power in 1969.
Cairo considers first coal-fired plant

8 February 2009, 10:57 GMT
Arab Investment & Development Company applies to build 5,000MW facility at Safaga.
AES Corporation's power assets sale offers chance to expand

8 February 2009, 9:27 GMT
Buying existing assets could be the only way for many developers to grow during the downturn.
US power company AES Corporation in asset sale talks

8 February 2009, 8:34 GMT
AES Corporation seeks to sell equity stakes in Middle East power and water plants in bid to exit the region.
Oman tenders Dibba wastewater scheme

6 February 2009, 12:03 GMT
Oman’s Regional Municipalities & Water Resources Ministry has issued a tender for the construction of wastewater networks and the upgrade of the Dibba wastewater treatment plant in the Musandam governorate.
Doha renews co-operation deal with Chubu Electric

6 February 2009, 11:42 GMT
Qatari Energy and Industry Minister Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah has renewed a memorandum of understanding between the country’s two major power operators and Japan’s Chubu Electric Power Company.
Ahmed Mansoor bids for Bahrain Financial Harbour work

5 February 2009, 12:56 GMT
Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority has received four bids from a single company for the contract to build water reservoirs and a pumping station at Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Kuwait awards Bayan sewer renovation contract

5 February 2009, 12:22 GMT
The local Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al-Kharafi & Sons has been awarded a contract for the renovation of the drainage network in the Bayan area of Kuwait.
Maaden cuts capacity of captive power plant at Ras al-Zour

5 February 2009, 11:59 GMT
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) and Canada's Alcan have altered the scope of the project to build a captive power plant at a planned integrated aluminium complex at Ras al-Zour.
Jordan to retender Al-Manakher plant expansion in March

4 February 2009, 18:14 GMT
Jordan’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is expected to issue a new tender for the expansion of the Al-Manakher independent power project (IPP) in March.
Cairo extends rice export ban

4 February 2009, 17:12 GMT
Egyptian Trade & Industry Minister Rachid Rachid has announced that an export ban on rice will be extended indefinitely.
Financing for Disi conveyor to be in place by March

4 February 2009, 16:56 GMT
Jordan’s $1bn Disi conveyor project is expected to reach financial close by the end of March, according to a source close to the scheme.
Kuwait retenders Shuaiba connection contract

3 February 2009, 12:36 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has retendered the contract to link gas turbines at the Shuaiba North power plant with the national control centre at Jabiriya.
Bids in for Addur gas pipelines

3 February 2009, 12:12 GMT
Bahrain Petroleum Company has received six bids for a contract to install gas pipelines to supply the planned Addur independent water and power project (IWPP).
ABB wins Saudi electricity transmission contracts

3 February 2009, 11:39 GMT
Riyadh-based ABB Contracting Company has been awarded two contracts worth almost SR600m ($160m) for electricity transmission work in Saudi Arabia.
Chadbourne & Parke bids low for Oman consultancy

2 February 2009, 12:17 GMT
A consortium led by US law firm Chadbourne & Parke is the low bidder for the contract to provide consultancy services for two new independent water and power projects (IWPPs) in Oman.
Doha North sewage contract awarded

2 February 2009, 11:56 GMT
A consortium of France's Vinci Construction Grand Projects, QDVC, and Entrepose Contracting, also of France, has won the contract to build pumping stations and sewage pipes for the Doha North sewage treatment plant.
Manama prequalifies 15 groups for Muharraq wastewater plant

2 February 2009, 11:41 GMT
Bahrain’s Works Ministry has prequalified 15 groups for the Muharraq wastewater treatment plant project.
Wastewater reuse set to soar in the Gulf

25 January 2009, 7:35 GMT
Gulf countries are increasingly recycling treated water as a cost-effective solution to growing demand.
Abu Dhabi revises power strategy

25 January 2009, 7:14 GMT
Pressure mounts on Gulf states to reconsider financing options for wave of new electricity projects.
Haya Water delays bid deadline for Muscat sewage scheme

22 January 2009, 13:08 GMT
Oman’s Haya Water has extended the deadline for bids for the contract to build a sewage system covering several areas of Muscat governorate, from 26 January to 9 February.
Inflation in Libya rises to 10.4 per cent

22 January 2009, 12:49 GMT
Libya’s inflation rate climbed to an annual average of 10.4 per cent in 2008, according to the latest figures released by the Central Bank of Libya.
Tender issued for expansion of Samra power plant

22 January 2009, 10:50 GMT
Jordan’s Samra Electric Power Generating Company has issued a tender for the phase three expansion of its thermal power plant at Samra, 35 kilometres north of Amman.
Saudi Electricity reviews size of future power projects

21 January 2009, 13:21 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company says it could tender 9,360MW of new power generating schemes as three large independent power projects (IPPs) rather than as nine smaller projects as previously expected.
Preferred bidder for Rabigh plant to be named in February

21 January 2009, 12:37 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) expects to name a preferred bidder for the Rabigh independent power project (IPP) by the end of February.
Kuwait to decide on Subiya bids within days

21 January 2009, 11:39 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry is expected to select a preferred bidder for the Subiya power plant project by the end of January.
Huta Marine wins King Abdullah Economic City water contract

19 January 2009, 12:41 GMT
The local Huta Marine Works has won a SR196m ($52.4m) contract to build drinking water infrastructure, including a reverse osmosis desalination plant, at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
Kuwait awards Umm al-Hayman wastewater expansion

19 January 2009, 12:17 GMT
Kuwait's Public Works Ministry has awarded the consultancy contract for the expansion of the Umm al-Hayman wastewater treatment plant to Lebanon-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners).
Cairo to launch Abu Rawash wastewater tender

19 January 2009, 11:57 GMT
Egypt’s Housing, Utilities & Urban Development Ministry is to issue a tender for the expansion of the Abu Rawash wastewater treatment plant later this year.
Sharjah shelves Hamriya power and water projects

19 January 2009, 5:57 GMT
Economic slowdown forces emirate to review its commitments.
Five bid for Suez stake in Oman's United Power Company

18 January 2009, 14:02 GMT
Belgium’s Suez Energy International has received a total of five bids for its 32.8 per cent stake in Oman’s United Power Company, which operates the Al-Manah power plant.
Cairo issues tender for wastewater scheme

18 January 2009, 13:12 GMT
Bids are due on 31 March for the New Cairo project, Egypt’s first public-private partnership in the sector.
Kuwait sets March deadline for bids for Al-Zour South plant

16 January 2009, 13:23 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a tender for the installation of a water distillation unit at the Al-Zour South power and water plant.
Bidders line up for Muscat sewage work

16 January 2009, 12:55 GMT
A total of 12 groups have lined up to bid for the contract to build a sewage system covering several catchments in the Muscat governorate.
Bahrain to seek proposals for Muharraq wastewater plant

15 January 2009, 12:20 GMT
Bahrain’s Works Ministry is expected to issue a request for proposals for the Muharraq wastewater treatment by the end of January.
Legal advisory contract awarded for Al-Hamra 2 power plant

15 January 2009, 12:08 GMT
UK law firm Linklaters has won the legal advisory contract for the planned Al-Hamra 2 power plant in Ras al-Khaimah.
Saudi Electricity calls for PP11 prequalification

15 January 2009, 11:29 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has issued a request for prequalification for its second independent power project, known as PP11.
Oman requests extension on bids for water and power plants

14 January 2009, 12:20 GMT
Bidders for the advisory contract on two planned independent water and power projects (IWPPs) in Oman have been asked to extend their bid bonds to March.
Deadline for Tarfaya wind farm bids extended to March

14 January 2009, 11:49 GMT
Morocco's Office National de l’Electricite (ONE) has extended the bid deadline for the Tarfaya wind farm project to 27 March, from the original date of 15 December 2008.
Abu Dhabi tourism company signs deal with Masdar

14 January 2009, 11:32 GMT
The local Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has signed a partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) for the development of sustainable water and energy projects on Sir Bani Yas Island.
Bidders line up for Yanbu power plant extension

13 January 2009, 12:07 GMT
Up to seven bids for the phase five and six extension of the Yanbu Industrial City power plant are expected to be submitted on 23 February.
Revised bids due to be submitted for Qurayyah power plant

13 January 2009, 11:39 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) will receive revised bids for the engineering, procurement and construction contract covering the conversion of the Qurayyah power plant to a combined cycle plant on 14 January.
Sembcorp confirmed as preferred bidder for Salalah power and water plant

12 January 2009, 12:18 GMT
A team of Singapore’s Sembcorp and the Oman Investment Corporation has been named as the preferred bidder for the Salalah independent water and power project (IWPP) in Oman.
Oman awards water consultancy contract

12 January 2009, 11:56 GMT
Oman's Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW) has awarded a water sector consultancy contract to a team of KPMG, the UK's Atkins and French law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel.
Takreer shortlists bidders for Ruwais plant

11 January 2009, 9:44 GMT
Three consortiums prequalify to bid for contract to build 750MW simple-cycle power plant.
Dubai seeks private funding for utility schemes

11 January 2009, 8:56 GMT
Dewa demands firms secure finance before bidding for $1.5bn Hassyan deal.
Gulf Construction bids low for Subiya dredging contract

8 January 2009, 12:03 GMT
The local Gulf Construction, Marine Works & General Contracting Company is the low bidder for the contract to dredge the seawater outlet canal at the Subiya power and water distillation plant.
National Contracting bids low for Kuwaiti substation work

8 January 2009, 11:37 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s National Contracting Company (NCC) is the low bidder for the project to build transformers at Saad al-Abdullah substation in Kuwait.
Oman water utility signs supply deal with aromatics firm

7 January 2009, 12:56 GMT
Omani state-owned water utility Majis Industrial Services Company (MISC) has signed seawater connection and supply agreements with Aromatics Oman in the first deal of its kind in the country.
Total General Trading submits lowest bid for Doha West

7 January 2009, 12:31 GMT
The local Total General Trading & Contracting Company is the low bidder for the contract to renovate and increase the production of distillation units at the Doha West power and water distillation plant in Kuwait.
Three firms bid for Kuwait substation work

6 January 2009, 13:00 GMT
Three companies have submitted bids for the contract to build five substations in Kuwait, although one company has been disqualified. The client is the Electricity & Water Ministry.
Advisory contract awarded for Ras al-Khaimah coal plant

6 January 2009, 11:27 GMT
The Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia) has awarded the legal advisory contract for the Mina Saqr 1 power plant project to UK law firm Linklaters.
Saudi Electricity awards Mecca power project

5 January 2009, 12:31 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has signed a SR444.3m ($118m) contract for the construction of the Western Mecca substation.
Kahramaa awards $358m cable contract

5 January 2009, 11:50 GMT
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has awarded a QR1.3bn ($358m) three-year contract for the supply of high voltage power cables to Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Cables & Metals.
Companies line up for Oman water projects

30 December 2008, 12:59 GMT
Four companies have purchased the tender documents for the construction supervision contract on the project to build water distribution networks in the Musanaah region in the north of Oman.
Ahmadinejad proposes energy subsidy cut

30 December 2008, 12:57 GMT
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has submitted an economic reform bill to parliament, which includes scrapping fuel and electricity subsidies.
Metito wins Das Island desalination plant

29 December 2008, 12:42 GMT
UAE-based water and wastewater specialist Metito has won the $21m engineering, procurement and construction contract for a desalination plant on Das Island, 140 kilometres off the Abu Dhabi coast.
Acwa Power recruits Suez executives to join Dubai office

29 December 2008, 12:39 GMT
Senior executives from Belgium’s Suez Energy International have left the company to join Acwa Power International’s new Dubai office.
Oman: Supply of transformers

22 December 2008, 15:54 GMT
Supply of transformers. Closing date: 23 February 2009.
Saudi Arabia: Sewer construction

22 December 2008, 14:37 GMT
Construction of sanitary sewers. Closing date: 15 February 2009.
Siemens takes $2.1bn Iraqi deal

22 December 2008, 12:25 GMT
Germany’s Siemens has won a Eur1.5bn ($2.1bn) contract to supply gas turbines in Iraq.
Kuwait awards power and wastewater projects

22 December 2008, 11:49 GMT
The Kuwaiti government has awarded a series of contracts for power, water and wastewater projects.
Saudi water shortages prompt reuse programme

21 December 2008, 14:16 GMT
The National Water Company is leading an initiative, aimed at encouraging private sector involvement, to overhaul the kingdom’s wastewater industry and help meet rising demand.
Kahramaa awards consultancy for transmission network

21 December 2008, 11:59 GMT
Belgrade-based Energoprojekt-Entel has been awarded the first of two consultancy contracts on phase nine of Qatar’s transmission network expansion programme.
Client reveals Ras Tanura plant capacity

21 December 2008, 11:19 GMT
Potential bidders for the power plant serving the Ras Tanura refinery and petrochemicals complex have been told it will have a power-generating capacity of 1,000MW, ahead of a tender being issued for the contract in January.
Japanese partners linked to Addur project financing

21 December 2008, 11:11 GMT
Mitsui, Sumitomo and Itochu front-runners to join water and power project.
Iraq: Dam supervision works

18 December 2008, 16:08 GMT
Carrying out consultancy and general supervision works for a dam in the western desert. Closing date: 4 January 2009.
Commercial close on Abu Dhabi wastewater schemes due

18 December 2008, 13:28 GMT
Abu Dhabi Sewage Services Company (ADSCC) is expected to achieve commercial close on two wastewater plants on 18 December, according to a source close to the schemes.
Dubai solar project on hold, say bidders

18 December 2008, 12:07 GMT
Bidders for the feasibility study for Dubai’s first solar power project say they believe the scheme is on hold.
Dubai postpones bids for water demand forecast contract

18 December 2008, 11:43 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has extended the deadline for a water consultancy contract to 8 January.
Saudi power industry awaits approval for revised electricity tariffs

17 December 2008, 12:49 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers is reviewing recommendations for the restructuring of the country’s electricity tariffs.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank sets up $1bn infrastructure fund with Macquarie

17 December 2008, 12:17 GMT
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Australia’s Macquarie Group have launched an infrastructure fund, which they expect will raise up to $1bn to invest mainly in the GCC.
Suez seeks medium-term finance for Addur

16 December 2008, 12:39 GMT
A consortium of Belgium’s Suez Energy International and Kuwait’s Gulf Investment Corporation is seeking a medium-term loan for the Addur independent water and power project (IWPP).
US and UAE prepare nuclear deal

16 December 2008, 12:14 GMT
The US and the UAE have agreed the text of a draft nuclear cooperation agreement, according to the UAE’s official WAM news agency, quoting a UAE Foreign Ministry source.
Degremont wins contract for Baghdad drinking water plant

16 December 2008, 11:11 GMT
France’s Degremont, a subsidiary of Suez Environnement, has signed a contract with a group of Al Mabrook Construction & Trading and Issam al-Iraqi Construction Contractors companies for a drinking water plant to be built in Baghdad.
Power and water developers hold out for lower bids

16 December 2008, 0:00 GMT
Tough operating conditions have not prevented a series of power contracts being awarded this year.
Why the Gulf is going nuclear - the case for atomic energy

16 December 2008, 0:00 GMT
Is nuclear power the best way to satisfy the region’s growing demand for energy?
EU and Syria initial association agreement

15 December 2008, 12:18 GMT
Syria and the EU have initialled an new association agreement in Damascus, four years after a previous agreement was initialled before being shelved.
Tunisia secures African Development Bank loan for water project

15 December 2008, 11:55 GMT
The African Development Bank has approved a Eur22.9m ($30.7m) loan to fund investment in Tunisia’s water sector.
Aramco defies gloom with launch of Ras Tanura package

12 December 2008, 13:11 GMT
State energy firm Saudi Aramco and the US’ Dow Chemical Company are to defy the gloom surrounding the downstream energy sector by launching the first package on the upgrade of the Ras Tanura integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex by the end of January.
Muscat considers breaking up Barka 3 power project

12 December 2008, 13:06 GMT
Capacity of 1,300MW independent water and power plant could now be divided among two sites.
Tunisian inflation declines to 4.3 per cent

11 December 2008, 16:23 GMT
Tunisia’s annualised inflation rate fell to 4.3 per cent in November, down from 4.5 per cent in the year to October, according to official figures from 11 December.
Taqa launches overseas investment venture

10 December 2008, 16:42 GMT
Abu Dhabi Energy Company (Taqa) and US-based RBS Sempra Commodities have formed Taqa Gen X, a joint venture which will invest in the power sector in North America.
Morocco invites firms to express interest in power tariff study

10 December 2008, 16:00 GMT
Moroccan state-owned utility, Office National de l’Electricite (One), has invited companies to express interest for an electricity tariff study.
Banks commit to short-term financing for Shuweihat 2 power plant

9 December 2008, 15:33 GMT
Six banks have agreed to provide a $900m bridging loan for the Shuweihat 2 independent water and power project (IWPP) in Abu Dhabi.
Amman to select preferred bidder on Al-Kamshah wind farm

9 December 2008, 14:58 GMT
Amman is evaluating a recommendation from the US' CRA International for the preferred bidder for a wind farm to be built at Al-Kamshah, according to a source close to the project.
Morocco sets up carbon trading fund

8 December 2008, 16:40 GMT
Morocco’s state-run pension fund Caisee de Depot et de Gestion (CDG) has set up a carbon trading fund with capital of MD300m ($35m).
Algerian gas demand to double over next decade

8 December 2008, 15:33 GMT
Algeria’s demand for natural gas will reach between 49.6 billion cubic metres and 67.1 billion cubic metres within the next ten years, according to the electricity and gas regulator, Commission de Regulation de l’Electricite et du Gaz (Creg).
Regional gas shortage triggers switch to coal

5 December 2008, 18:29 GMT
Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority to request proposals for first coal-fired power plant next year.
Salalah award faces three-month delay

5 December 2008, 17:36 GMT
Client requests 90-day bond extension from contractors after regulator intervenes to probe bidding process.
Acwa Power consortium submits low bid for Rabigh plant

5 December 2008, 17:31 GMT
A consortium of the local Acwa Power International and Korea Electric Power Corporation is the low bidder for the Rabigh independent power project (IPP).
Oman awards gas turbine contract to Bharat

4 December 2008, 16:21 GMT
India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) has won a six to seven year IR20,000m ($400m) contract to supply, install and commission gas turbines in Oman.
Abu Dhabi extends credit line to Egypt

4 December 2008, 15:19 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s Arab Trade Financing Program has extended a $20m line of credit to the Export Development Bank of Egypt, the Egyptian Trade & Industry Ministry announced on 4 December.
Edison signs Abu Qir oil and gas deal

3 December 2008, 17:05 GMT
Italy’s Edison International announced on 2 December that it has signed a deal with the state-owned Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation for the Abu Qir concession in the Mediterranean Sea near Alexandria.
Egyptian inflation decreases

3 December 2008, 16:08 GMT
Egyptian inflation dropped to 20.9 per cent for the year to November, compared with 21.2 per cent for the year to October.
Egypt offers $1.3bn aid to industrial firms

2 December 2008, 16:00 GMT
Egyptian Trade & Industry Minister Rachid Rachid announced on 1 December a£E7bn ($1.3bn) support package to help Egypt's exporters cope with the global economic downturn.
Jordan signs nuclear deal with Kepco

2 December 2008, 15:17 GMT
Amman has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) to carry out a feasibility study for one of Jordan's first nuclear power plants.
Doosan consortium signs Jeddah desalination contract

1 December 2008, 15:12 GMT
A consortium led by South Korea’s Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction has signed the contract for the construction of phase 3 of the Jeddah desalination plant.
Cairo plans $2.8bn package to boost economy

1 December 2008, 14:50 GMT
Egyptian Finance Minister Youssef Boutros Ghali has announced new measures worth£E15bn ($2.8bn) to stimulate the country’s economy.
Kuwait treatment plant awaits approval

28 November 2008, 19:05 GMT
The local Utilities Development Company (UDC) is awaiting government approval for the expansion of the Sulaibiya wastewater treatment plant.
Masdar explores using wasterwater sludge as feedstock

28 November 2008, 18:35 GMT
Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) is in talks with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) as part of an initiative to use sludge from wastewater treatment plants to generate energy.
Bechtel beats rivals to win nuclear deal

28 November 2008, 18:17 GMT
The Electricity & Energy Ministry is expected to officially award the consultancy contract on its nuclear programme to the US’ Bechtel in early December.
Saudi National Water Company to set up effluent trading body

28 November 2008, 17:44 GMT
Firm will initially be wholly owned by the state, with investors coming in later.
Bidders hold talks with Maaden over power plant deal

27 November 2008, 15:33 GMT
Bidders for the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) captive power plant project are in an ongoing technical clarification talks with the client.
Alstom signs contract for Terga plant

27 November 2008, 15:28 GMT
France’s Alstom has signed a long-term maintenance contract with the Algerian O&M Company for the planned power plant at Terga in the northwest of the country.
Abu Dhabi plans financial closure on wastewater plants

26 November 2008, 14:52 GMT
Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) hopes to reach financial close on two wastewater treatment plant projects planned in the emirate on 27 November, according to managing director Alan Thomson.
Bahrain to request proposals for Muharraq sewage plant in 2009

26 November 2008, 14:23 GMT
Bahrain’s Works Ministry is expected to issue a request for proposals the Muharraq sewage treatment plant by the beginning of 2009.
Jordan and China sign nuclear accords

25 November 2008, 16:01 GMT
Amman has signed two agreements covering co-operation in the field of nuclear energy with Beijing.
GE signs $1bn deals with Sonelgaz in Algeria

25 November 2008, 15:39 GMT
The US’ GE has signed a number of service agreements with Algerian state energy company Sonelgaz.
Combined Group bids low for Kuwaiti roads deal

24 November 2008, 16:54 GMT
The local Combined Group Contracting Company is the low bidder for the first-phase contract to build roads as well as rainwater and wastewater drain networks in the Abu Futairah district in the east of Kuwait.
Abu Dhabi set to issue sewer tender in December

24 November 2008, 15:17 GMT
Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) will issue a tender for the design and build contract for the first segment of its deep-sewer tunnel project in December.
Gaddafi gives mixed messages

21 November 2008, 21:42 GMT
Opposition to the Libyans leaders’ plans to disband its ministries is a sign that he may abandon the strategy.
Marafiq delays Yanbu bid deadline

21 November 2008, 21:11 GMT
The Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail & Yanbu (Marafiq) is extending the bid deadline for the Yanbu independent water & power project (IWPP) into the new year, with the possibility of postponing it further.
Signs of dissent emerge in Libya

20 November 2008, 19:06 GMT
Clashes in the southern town of Kufra are the latest example of growing opposition to the rule of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Al-Kharafi bids low for Kuwait City sewage work

20 November 2008, 16:15 GMT
Mohammad Abdulmohsin al-Kharafi & Sons is the low bidder for the project to upgrade the sewer network in the Sabah al-Salem suburb, south of Kuwait City.
Sonatrach signs Alrar power deal with Italian firms

20 November 2008, 12:24 GMT
Algerian state energy company Sonatrach has signed a contract with a consortium of Italian companies for the project to extend the Alrar power plant.
Egyptian GDP growth slows to 5.8 per cent

19 November 2008, 16:26 GMT
The Egyptian economy grew at an annualised rate of 5.8 per cent in the first quarter of the 2008/09 financial year, Economic Development Minister Othman Othman was quoted as saying by state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram on 19 November.
Kalpataru wins Kuwait power contract

19 November 2008, 15:44 GMT
India’s Kalpataru Power Transmission has won a contract for the supply and installation of high tension overhead lines.
Masdar awards carbon capture contract to Mustang

18 November 2008, 15:38 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has awarded the contract for front-end engineering and design (Feed) services for its carbon capture and storage programme to the US’ Mustang Engineering.
Orascom Construction reports 54 per cent rise in revenue

18 November 2008, 14:45 GMT
Orascom Construction Industries reported a 54.4 per cent increase in revenue in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.
Firms line up for Oman water projects

17 November 2008, 16:34 GMT
A total of nine companies have purchased tender documents for two water supply projects in Oman.
Sonelgaz plans to invest $30bn on power upgrade

17 November 2008, 14:57 GMT
State-owned energy company, Sonelgaz will invest nearly $30bn to expand and upgrade Algeria’s power generation and distribution capacity until 2017, the company’s chief executive officer Nourredine Bouterfa announced on 16 November.
Haya to issue tenders for four wastewater treatment plants in Oman

14 November 2008, 21:32 GMT
Bidding for first and largest plant in Darsait expected to open in July 2009.
Clients in the Gulf gain the upper hand

13 November 2008, 16:56 GMT
The past few weeks have seen a series of decisions taken by clients in the Gulf energy and power sectors to delay projects in the hope that changing market conditions and falling commodity prices will act in their favour and help them secure lower prices for the schemes.
Kuwait to issue Al-Zour North power plant tender

13 November 2008, 15:57 GMT
The Electricity & Water Ministry is expected to issue a new tender for the planned Al-Zour North power plant before the end of 2008, contractors in the country told MEED.
Rabat postpones bid deadline for Safi power plant

13 November 2008, 15:13 GMT
Morocco’s state-owned utility Office National de l’Electricite has extended the bid deadline for a planned independent power project (IPP) at Safi.
Cairo set to award nuclear consultancy contract

12 November 2008, 16:30 GMT
The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company is expected to award the consultancy contract for the country’s nuclear programme before the end of November.
Egypt delays wind farm bids

12 November 2008, 16:16 GMT
Egypt’s New & Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) has extended the deadline for bids for consulting services on the project to develop a 200MW-wind farm in Gulf al-Zayt.
Libya studies Sirte desalination plant bids

11 November 2008, 16:07 GMT
Libya’s General Desalination Company is evaluating technical bids from three companies for the contract to build a desalination plant at Sirte.
Bids in for Subiya power plant

11 November 2008, 14:39 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has received three bids for the contract to build the Subiya power plant.
Kuwait issues tender for contract to link Shuaiba to national power network

10 November 2008, 16:07 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a tender for a contract to link gas turbines at the Shuaiba North power plant with the country’s national control centre at Jabiriya.
Egyptian urban inflation falls to 20 per cent

10 November 2008, 14:49 GMT
Urban inflation in Egypt declined to 20.2 per cent in the year to the end of October, the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation & Statistics reported on 10 November.
Riyadh accelerates Yanbu development

7 November 2008, 17:41 GMT
Saline Water Conversion Corporation considers offering Yanbu 3 to developer on standalone basis.
Manama builds power plants to meet increasing demand

7 November 2008, 17:30 GMT
Electricity authority to raise capacity by 4,800MW and 100 million g/d.
Riyadh rolls out $21bn power capacity boost

7 November 2008, 12:47 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company plans nine more independent power projects with total capacity of 9,360MW.
Dewa delays deadline for P Station bids

5 November 2008, 17:23 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has delayed the deadline for bids for phase 2 of the P Station power and water project at Hassyan.
Tabreed reports increase in profits

5 November 2008, 17:19 GMT
The UAE’s National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) has reported a 6.9 per cent increase in third quarter profits.
Qatar’s Al-Khalij Commercial Bank buys BLC subsidiary

4 November 2008, 15:31 GMT
Qatar’s Al-Khalij Commercial Bank has bought BLC Bank (France), a subsidiary of Lebanon’s BLC Bank.
Riyadh to raise water tariffs

3 November 2008, 15:23 GMT
Riyadh is planning to introduce higher water tariffs for consumers in an effort to manage demand, Water & Electricity Minister Abdullah al-Hussayen said at the Saudi Water & Power Forum hosted by CWC Exhibitions & Conferences in Jeddah on 2 November.
Qatari firms buy stake in Suez Environnement

3 November 2008, 15:17 GMT
A group of three Qatari firms has acquired a stake in France’s Suez Environnement.
Kahramaa fast-tracks transmission network expansion in Qatar

31 October 2008, 20:47 GMT
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has accelerated plans for phase 9 of its transmission network expansion programme, with the first bids being submitted a week ahead of the original deadline.
Riyadh to award water contracts

31 October 2008, 20:22 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) says it will award the contracts for technical, legal and financial consultants on the Greater Dammam, Medina and Mecca public-private-partnership scheme by mid-November.
Taihan Electric bids low for Kuwait transmission work

30 October 2008, 16:19 GMT
South Korea’s Taihan Electric Company is the low bidder for a contract to supply and install 400kV ground cables in various parts of the country.
Cairo targets private finance

30 October 2008, 15:32 GMT
A law governing public-private partnerships will need to be passed before Egypt can embark on£E15bn worth of planned infrastructure projects.
Taqa profits rise 300 per cent

30 October 2008, 15:08 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has reported a 318 per cent rise in net profits for the nine months to 30 September.
Kurdistan government receives wind study bids

29 October 2008, 15:21 GMT
The Kurdistan Regional Government has received three bids for the contract to carry out a wind energy feasibility study in Iraq’s three Kurdish governates.
Morocco extends Jerada power plant deadline

29 October 2008, 14:35 GMT
State-owned utility Office National de l’Electricite (ONE) has delayed the bid deadline for the project to expand the Jerada power plant to 14 November.
Kahramaa issues phase 9 power tender

28 October 2008, 13:52 GMT
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has issued a tender for power cables as part of the planned phase 9 expansion of the country’s transmission network.
ABB wins Sulaibiya substation contract

28 October 2008, 12:28 GMT
Europe’s ABB has won a contract for the supply and installation of a substation at Sulaibiya in Kuwait.
Kuwait Oil Company issues transmission tenders

27 October 2008, 15:18 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has issued two tenders for the construction of two substation and overhead transmission lines at the Minagish oil field in the west of the country.
Metito and Berlinwasser form joint venture firm in Dubai

27 October 2008, 14:35 GMT
UAE-based water and wastewater specialist Metito has formed a joint venture company with Germany’s Berlinwasser.
Utilities seek to bridge funding gap in Gulf

24 October 2008, 23:19 GMT
Developers to broaden sources of finance as international banks shun power and water schemes.
Consortiums bid to build Shams 1 solar power plant

24 October 2008, 23:15 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has received four bids to build the Shams 1 solar power plant.
Muscat assesses bids for Duqm and Al-Ghubrah power plants

24 October 2008, 22:48 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company is assessing technical bids for advisory services on the sultanate’s next two independent water and power projects (IWPPs), following offers from four groups.
Crisis will free up power and water contractors

24 October 2008, 21:44 GMT
The credit crunch may yet end shortages in contractor resources that hampered so many projects earlier in the year.
Libya to invest in European and US equities

23 October 2008, 15:39 GMT
The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) will diversify its portfolio by investing in overseas equities markets, following the global decline in stock exchanges.
Dewa scraps bids for P Station project in Hassyan

23 October 2008, 15:04 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has scrapped the bids submitted for the first phase of its P Station project at Hassyan.
Egypt, Libya and Sudan join free trade zone

22 October 2008, 17:04 GMT
Egypt, Libya and Sudan are joining a new free trade area in Africa, along with 23 other countries.
Banque Marocain de Credit Exterieur plans share buy-back

22 October 2008, 16:48 GMT
Banque Marocain de Credit Exterieur (BMCE), Morocco’s second largest lender, has announced plans to buy back 15 million of its shares in an effort to prop up the price of its shares.
El-Sewedy Cables delays smelter project

21 October 2008, 16:09 GMT
Egypt’s El-Sewedy Cables has announced it will delay a planned copper smelter project as a result of current market conditions.
Kuwait extends bid deadline for Subiya power plant

21 October 2008, 15:28 GMT
Kuwait’s Water & Electricity Ministry has again extended the bid deadline for the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Subiya power plant.
SNC Lavalin to build district cooling plant in Bahrain

20 October 2008, 11:45 GMT
Tabreed Bahrain has signed an agreement with Canada’s SNC Lavalin to build a district cooling plant at Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Bids in for Oman power and water consultancy work

20 October 2008, 10:51 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has received four bids for the contract to provide advisory services on two planned independent water and power projects (IWPP) in the country.
Cairo moves to protect ailing economy

17 October 2008, 19:45 GMT
Authorities act to protect Egyptian businesses from the worst effects of the global slowdown.
Dewa to launch feasibility study for coal-fired plants

17 October 2008, 19:07 GMT
Germany’s Lahmeyer in line to assess potential sites at Hassyan and Lehbab.
Riyadh outsources health provision

16 October 2008, 16:44 GMT
Private firms are being invited to run the kingdom’s hospitals as part of a radical reform of healthcare.
Qatar Electricity & Water Company increases profits

16 October 2008, 16:41 GMT
Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) has reported a net profit of QR596.2m ($164m) for the nine months ending 30 September.
Masdar invests in UK wind farm

16 October 2008, 15:26 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed a joint venture agreement with Germany's Eon, giving it a share in the London Array offshore wind farm.
Abraaj Capital buys stake in Pakistan's KES Power

15 October 2008, 17:20 GMT
Dubai-based Abraaj Capital has entered into an agreement to buy a 50 per cent stake in Pakistan’s KES Power.
French and Qatari companies set up utility firm

15 October 2008, 15:14 GMT
Qatari Diar and Qatar’s Barwa have signed an agreement to establish a multi-utility company in Qatar with two French companies, GDF Suez and Suez Environment.
Bidders line up for Oman power consultancy work

14 October 2008, 16:29 GMT
A total of 23 companies have purchased tender documents for the consultancy contract for two independent water and power projects in Oman.
Saudi Electricity to delay Rabigh deadline

14 October 2008, 15:23 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company is expected to extend the deadline for bids to develop the Rabigh independent power project (IPP) by four weeks, according to a source close to the scheme.
Dubai retenders second phase of Hassyan power project

13 October 2008, 15:30 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has retendered phase 2 of the P Station power and water project at Hassyan.
Siemens takes Kuwaiti transmission contracts

13 October 2008, 15:08 GMT
Germany’s Siemens has been awarded two contracts for the maintenance and upgrade of electricity transmission networks in Kuwait.
Calyon reconsiders Gulf finance deals

10 October 2008, 21:57 GMT
French bank enters talks over escape clauses after underwriting more than $1bn in project financing.
Low bidders emerge for $2bn Ras al-Zour water pipeline

10 October 2008, 20:42 GMT
Two low bidders have emerged for the contract to build the world’s largest water pipeline, running from Dammam to Riyadh.
Nakheel revises terms for Jebel Ali plants

10 October 2008, 20:37 GMT
Delays likely as contractors await full details of agreements for desalination schemes on Palm development.
Five firms line up for Oman sewage work

9 October 2008, 16:30 GMT
Five companies have purchased tender documents for the construction of a sewage network system at Barka South in Al-Batinah province, by the 8 October deadline.
Bids in for Bahraini transmission work

9 October 2008, 14:43 GMT
Three companies have submitted bids for the supply of 220-kV transmission cables in Bahrain.
Cairo claims financial crisis is not affecting banks

8 October 2008, 16:22 GMT
Egypt’s Minister of Trade & Industry Rachid Rachid says the country’s banks have not been adversely affected by the international financial crisis.
Tehran delays bids for power programme

8 October 2008, 15:47 GMT
Iran Power Development Company (IPDC) says it is still preparing the tenders for a project to add more than 3,000MW of gas-fired power generation capacity to its network, a month after bids had been due.
Veolia and Mubadala to target regional water projects

7 October 2008, 16:03 GMT
France’s Veolia Water and Abu Dhabi government-owned Mubadala Development Company have announced plans to establish a joint venture company for water and wastewater projects in the Middle East and North Africa.
Kuwait extends Subiya power plant deadline

7 October 2008, 12:52 GMT
Kuwait's Water & Electricity Ministry has extended the bid deadline for the contract to build the Subiya power plant by two weeks to 21 October.
Masdar delays bid deadline for Shams 1 solar plant

6 October 2008, 14:03 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has delayed the bid deadline for the Shams 1 solar power plant by nearly three weeks to 19 October.
Areva signs Jordanian uranium exploration deal

6 October 2008, 12:37 GMT
French nuclear giant Areva has signed an agreement with the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) for uranium exploration in the kingdom.
Wastewater project stalls as Cairo revises pricing model

3 October 2008, 17:40 GMT
Government seeks to balance end user tariffs and operator incentives.
ESB International sole bidder for deal to expand Bahrain's power grid

3 October 2008, 17:18 GMT
Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) is likely to award a consultancy contract to Ireland’s ESB International (ESBI) in the latest stage of a programme to upgrade and expand its power distribution network.
Bids in for Dubai substations

2 October 2008, 16:10 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has received bids for the project to supply, install, test and commission a series of 132/11KV substations.
Riyadh and Cairo relinquish control of electricity industries

2 October 2008, 16:01 GMT
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are beginning the process of liberalising their electricity industries, but they are a long way from leaving behind the state-dominated structures of the past.
Iran offers to stop nuclear enrichment in exchange for fuel

2 October 2008, 15:40 GMT
Tehran will consider ending domestic uranium enrichment if it can import nuclear fuel from overseas, according to Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Suez heads off Asian challenge in Gulf power and water sector

2 October 2008, 14:14 GMT
Belgium’s Suez Energy International dominates MEED’s power and water private developer rankings after winning every project awarded this year, but Japanese firms are climbing the table.
Riyadh to privatise hospitals

1 October 2008, 16:33 GMT
Saudi Arabia is planning to increase private sector participation in the healthcare industry by privatising the country's state-owned hospitals, according to media reports on 1 October.
Tunisia plans to build 14 desalination plants

1 October 2008, 16:12 GMT
The Tunisian government has announced plans to build 14 reverse osmosis desalination plants in the southeast of the country.
Moroccan bank reports 23 per cent growth in profits

30 September 2008, 14:39 GMT
Banque Marocain du Commerce Exterieur (BMCE) has reported a 23 per cent increase in first-half profits on the back of increased lending.
Belgium’s Solvay buys Egyptian soda ash firm

30 September 2008, 14:17 GMT
Egyptian state-owned Chemical Industries Holding Company has sold a majority stake in its Alexandria Sodium Carbonate Company (ASCC) subsidiary to Belgium’s Solvay.
ESB International bids for Bahraini power work

29 September 2008, 14:43 GMT
Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) has received one bid for a transmission network consultancy contract.
Maaden power plant award due in October

29 September 2008, 13:54 GMT
Discussions are continuing between Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) and the two bidders for the planned $3bn captive power plant at the Ras al-Zour intergrated aluminium complex.
Cairo to tender first private wind farm

19 September 2008, 13:17 GMT
Privately owned renewable energy plant will be built in the Gulf of Suez and have capacity of 2,500MW.
Saudi Electricity Company awards substations deal to Iscosa

18 September 2008, 14:47 GMT
The local Industrial Services Company Saudi Arabia (Iscosa) has won a contract to reinforce substations in the kingdom.
Al-Assad appoints new ministers in Syria

18 September 2008, 14:20 GMT
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has replaced two ministers in his government in the second major cabinet reshuffle in 2008.
Koreans in talks for Qatrana power plant

17 September 2008, 15:07 GMT
A team of Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) and Saudi Arabia’s Xenel Industries has entered into talks with Amman for the Al-Qatrana independent power project.
Bids submitted for UAE nuclear management contract

17 September 2008, 14:38 GMT
Bids have been submitted on schedule for the contract to manage the UAE’s nuclear power programme.
Kema to upgrade Egypt’s electricity control centre

16 September 2008, 15:19 GMT
Dutch consultant Kema has been selected for the project to upgrade Egypt’s National Energy Control Centre, according to Hafez el-Salmawy, managing director of the Egyptian Electric Utility & Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency.
Two added to list of prequalifiers for Moroccan power plant

16 September 2008, 12:45 GMT
Moroccan state-owned utility Office National de l’Electricite (One) has prequalified two more companies for the Safi coal-fired power plant project.
Four in line for Saham wastewater work

15 September 2008, 14:02 GMT
Four companies have purchased tender documents for a new contract in Oman’s wastewater sector. The deadline for bids is 28 October.
Modern Water to build desalination plant in Oman

15 September 2008, 13:43 GMT
The UK’s Modern Water will build a manipulated-osmosis desalination plant in Oman, the first of its kind in the Middle East and only the second to be built in the world.
Egyptian inflation rises to 24 per cent

11 September 2008, 12:53 GMT
Egyptian inflation rose to 23.6 per cent in the year to August, according to the latest figures from Central Agency for Public Mobilisation & Statistics.
Metka and Anslado win Syrian power plant

11 September 2008, 11:56 GMT
A consortium of Greece’s Metka and Italy’s Anslado has been awarded the contract to build a 700MW power plant in Syria.
Saudi extends deadline for wastewater consultancy bids

8 September 2008, 11:56 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) has extended the deadline for bids for the consultancy contract on the newest phase of the country’s water and wastewater network privatisation programme.
Masdar delays deadline for Shams 1 plant

5 September 2008, 16:57 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is extending the deadline for bids for the largest solar power plant in the world by a month to 30 September.
Tripoli begins abolition of ministries

5 September 2008, 15:31 GMT
M050908 News: State-owned utilities companies have been set up to manage Libya’s power, water and gas sectors.
Gaddafi’s victory has cost little

5 September 2008, 15:13 GMT
The US deal officially ends Gaddafi’s tenure as a political outcast and confirms the legitimacy of his regime.
Developers raise water and power tariffs as costs soar

4 September 2008, 14:26 GMT
Rising engineering, procurement and construction costs are forcing power project bidders to up their prices.
Tripoli to herald Rice visit as victory

4 September 2008, 12:41 GMT
As compensation claims for past terrorist attacks near settlement, the US Secretary of State’s trip to Libya marks a warming of relations.
Siemens bids low for substation work in Kuwait

4 September 2008, 12:27 GMT
Germany’s Siemens is the lower bidder for a contract for the operation and maintenance of major substations across Kuwait.
Kharafi bids low for Doha East renovation deal

3 September 2008, 16:43 GMT
The local Kharafi National is the low bidder for the contract to renovate steam boilers at the Doha East power and water distillation plant in Kuwait.
Bids in for Oman water consultancy contract

3 September 2008, 15:51 GMT
Six companies have submitted bids for a contract for consultancy services to Oman's Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW).
Egypt to supply Lebanon with 450MW of power

2 September 2008, 15:13 GMT
Lebanese Energy & Water Resources Minister Alain Tabourian has announced that Egypt will supply his country with 450MW of power, according to reports from the official Jordan News Agency, Petra.
Iranians sign Damavand power plant deal

2 September 2008, 12:51 GMT
Iran’s National Petrochemical Company (NPC) and the Iran Power Projects Management Company (Mapna) have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a power plant for the Damavand petrochemicals company.
Ecco to build Marina West sewage plant

1 September 2008, 17:03 GMT
Bahrain's Energy Central Company (Ecco) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Marina West for the construction of sewage treatment plant for a residential scheme on the country's west coast.
Tripoli to invest in Nairobi bank

1 September 2008, 16:30 GMT
Tripoli will invest Eur100m ($148m) in a new bank to be established in Kenya.
Alstom signs Shuaiba power plant deal

1 September 2008, 15:50 GMT
France’s Alstom has signed the contract for the construction of a 1,200MW power plant in Saudi Arabia.
Tehran issues tender to build seven gas-fired power plants

29 August 2008, 17:11 GMT
Programme will add 9,000MW of generating capacity to the state’s network.
Abu Dhabi launches next phase of $1bn Fujairah pipeline

29 August 2008, 16:20 GMT
Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (Transco) has issued tenders for the next phase of one of the world’s longest pipelines, which will transfer water from the Fujairah 2 independent water and power project (IWPP) to Abu Dhabi.
Orascom Construction reports record second quarter results

28 August 2008, 14:42 GMT
Orascom Construction Industries (OCI), Egypt’s largest construction firm by market value, has reported record second quarter results.
Suez awarded Addur water and power project

28 August 2008, 12:33 GMT
A consortium of Belgium’s Suez Energy International and Gulf Investment Corporation has been awarded the contract to build, own and operate the $2bn Addur independent water and power project (IWPP) in Bahrain
Consolidated Contractors to build Tripoli hotel

27 August 2008, 17:27 GMT
Libya Consolidated Contractors (LCC), a joint venture of Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company and the local Economic Social & Development Fund, is to build two new towers in Tripoli.
Bids in for Rabigh 6 power plant

27 August 2008, 17:09 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has received two bids for the phase 6 expansion of the Rabigh power plant.
Amman to buy French nuclear reactor

26 August 2008, 15:35 GMT
Jordan plans to buy a nuclear reactor from a French company soon, according to comments by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi during a meeting with Olivier Jarde, the head of Jordanian-French Parliamentary Friendship Committee.
World Bank launches Morocco energy study

26 August 2008, 15:00 GMT
The World Bank has issued an invitation for expressions of interest for consulting services to develop an energy supply strategy for Morocco.
Marafiq eases conditions on bids for Yanbu power plant

22 August 2008, 17:55 GMT
Client aims to help potential bidders secure contracting resources.
Tripoli considers extending Great Man-Made River project

22 August 2008, 16:23 GMT
Libya is considering a further extension to its Great Man-Made River project to significantly increase capacity.
Libya to sign free trade deal with EU, says Saif al-Islam

21 August 2008, 16:40 GMT
Libya will sign a free trade agreement with EU soon, according to Saif al-Islam, the son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Masdar begins work on German solar energy plant

21 August 2008, 15:19 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has broken ground on its first photovoltaic production plant in Ichtershausen, Germany.
Companies line up for Oman consultancy contract

20 August 2008, 16:34 GMT
A total of 17 companies have so far acquired the tender documents for advisory services on two planned independent water and power projects (IWPP) in Oman.
Red Sea-Dead Sea project studies get under way

20 August 2008, 15:42 GMT
Work on the World Bank-backed Red Sea-Dead Sea conveyance project is going ahead despite an alternative plan for a canal to link the two seas, proposed by Israeli tycoon Yitzhak Tshuva.
IRAN TENDER: Power plants

19 August 2008, 15:52 GMT
Construction of a total of 3,000MW of gas turbine power plants convertible to combined-cycle power plants. Closing date: 18 September 2008.
Kuwait delays bid deadline for Subiya power plant

19 August 2008, 15:13 GMT
The bid deadline for the contract to build a combined-cylce power plant at Subiya in Kuwait has been extended until 7 October.
Delay to bids for Rabigh 6 power plant

19 August 2008, 14:39 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is extending the bid deadline for the phase 6 extension of the Rabigh power plant by three days to 23 August.
Morocco's inflation reaches 5.1 per cent

18 August 2008, 15:48 GMT
Morocco's annual inflation rate rose to 5.1 per cent in July, according to the state planning body Haut Commissariat au Plan (HCP).
Egypt signs deal to supply energy to Lebanon

18 August 2008, 15:09 GMT
An agreement between Cairo and Beirut will result in Egypt supplying Lebanon with electricity and natural gas in an effort to tackle the country’s energy shortage.
Oman appoints adviser for sale of power grid company

15 August 2008, 14:43 GMT
KPMG to oversee first privatisation of a Gulf transmission network operator.
Suez selected for Addur water and power plant

15 August 2008, 12:46 GMT
A team of Belgium’s Suez Energy International and Kuwait’s Gulf Investment Corporation has been awarded the preferred bidder status on Bahrain’s Addur independent water and power project (IWPP) and is expected to sign an agreement for the plant within weeks.
Egypt's poor

15 August 2008, 12:08 GMT
Despite Egypt’s strong economic growth, many sectors of society are yet to enjoy the benefits.
Consultants extend validity of bids for Saudi water privatisation

14 August 2008, 14:53 GMT
Six out of seven companies selected as consultants on the privatisation of Saudi Arabia's Saline Water Conversion Corporation have extended the validity of their bids at the request of the client.
Deadline postponed for Moroccan wind farm

14 August 2008, 14:11 GMT
State utility Office National de l’Electricite is extending the bid deadline for the Tarfaya wind farm project to 15 December.
SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Substation construction

13 August 2008, 16:13 GMT
Construction of Mutrafiah substation. Closing date: 21 October 2008
Morocco sets January bid deadline for Safi power project

13 August 2008, 15:47 GMT
Prequalified companies have until 15 January to submit bids for the Safi independent power project in Morocco.
Veolia and Besix seek finance for Abu Dhabi wastewater contract

13 August 2008, 14:54 GMT
France’s Veolia and Belgium’s Besix are looking to raise $400m by January for two wastewater treatment plants in Abu Dhabi emirate.
Agrium sells stake in Egyptian venture

12 August 2008, 15:30 GMT
Canada’s Agrium is to sell its stake in the EAgrium ammonia and urea plant in Egypt to state-owned Misr Oil Processing Company (Mopco), in return for shares in Mopco.
Yemeni private power report due in October

12 August 2008, 14:38 GMT
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a division of the World Bank, is expected to complete its study on how Yemen should proceed with independent power projects (IPPs) by October, according to an industry source.
Marubeni wins Doha North work

11 August 2008, 14:57 GMT
Japan’s Marubeni Corporation has won a contract to build a pumping station, which will feed the Doha North wastewater treatment plant.
Egyptian inflation rises to 23 per cent

11 August 2008, 13:15 GMT
Year-on-year inflation rose to a record 23.1 per cent in July in Egypt, on the back of a 32.5 per cent increase in food prices.
Muscat seeks power plant consultant

8 August 2008, 16:47 GMT
Oman Power & Water Company is to issue a tender for the consultancy contract on two major power projects by mid-August.
Nakheel streamlines procurement process

8 August 2008, 16:42 GMT
Financing model for water treatment schemes to be based on a joint venture with Macquarie Bank.
Riyadh sets deadline for water privatisation contracts

8 August 2008, 16:08 GMT
Companies have been given until 30 August to submit bids to the National Water Company (NWC) for the advisory contracts on its newest public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.
Cairo risks loss of investment

8 August 2008, 15:36 GMT
The consequences of tax legislation for free zone firms will be lasting. Recent actions by Cairo could take their toll on investment levels.
Cairo's changing policies hit investors

8 August 2008, 14:00 GMT
Doubts over a major petrochemicals scheme have undermined Egypt's status as an investment destination.
Q&A: Hans-Dieter Martin, United Infrastructure Developers Company

8 August 2008, 13:30 GMT
Parent companies provide financial advantage and reliability when competing with established developers
United Infrastructure Developers Company

8 August 2008, 13:30 GMT
United Infrastructure Developers Company is aiming to win its first independent water and power project
United Infrastructure Developers Company: MEED Assessment

8 August 2008, 13:30 GMT
UIDC targets experienced developers for partnership in the region
Taqa reports 150 per cent jump in profits

7 August 2008, 16:24 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has reported a 154 per cent increase in second quarter profits, reflecting gains from its acquisitions and the impact of higher oil and gas prices.
Bids in for Dubai solar power consultancy

7 August 2008, 15:37 GMT
A total of eight companies have submitted bids for the feasibility study for Dubai’s first solar power plant project.
Alstom signs Fujairah 2 maintenance contract

6 August 2008, 16:57 GMT
France’s Alstom has signed a long-term contract for the maintenance of the Fujairah 2 independent water and power project with Fujairah Asia Power Company (Fapco).
Chadbourne & Parke wins Al-Qatrana advisory work

6 August 2008, 16:36 GMT
Chadbourne & Parke has been selected to act as legal adviser to the lenders on Jordan’s Al-Qatrana independent power project (IPP).
Jordan to study feasibility of desalination plant in Aqaba

5 August 2008, 15:32 GMT
Aqaba Water Company has signed an agreement with Bank Muscat to study the feasibility of a desalination plant at Aqaba on the Red Sea coast.
Kuwait delays Subiya power plant deadline

5 August 2008, 14:20 GMT
The deadline for bids for the Subiya power plant project has been extended to 17 August from the original date of 28 July.
Dubai Capital buys stake in Egypt's Commercial International Bank

4 August 2008, 15:28 GMT
Dubai Capital Group has bought a 5.2 per cent stake in Commercial International Bank, Egypt’s largest private bank, for AED580m ($158m).
Kuwait issues transmission tender

4 August 2008, 14:54 GMT
Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity & Water has issued a tender for the provision and extension of 400-kV ground cables in various parts of the country.
Japanese credit agency offers $3bn finance for Ras al-Zour

31 July 2008, 18:53 GMT
Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC), the country’s export credit agency, is committing $3bn in loans to two of the three bids for the planned Ras al-Zour independent water and power project (IWPP).
Sewa awards contract to build Hamriya power plant

31 July 2008, 18:29 GMT
Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority (Sewa) has awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Hamriya power plant, the largest in the emirate, to a team of the US’ GE and Canada’s SNC Lavalin.
Quest Energy to build Iranian power plant

31 July 2008, 18:05 GMT
UAE’s Quest Energy to develop 1,000MW gas-fired plant despite sanctions.
Oman seeks water consultant

31 July 2008, 15:56 GMT
Bidders have until 18 August to submit proposals for consultancy services to Oman’s Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW).
Ezz Steel to raise capital

31 July 2008, 14:53 GMT
Ezz Steel is to raise capital to finance an increase in production to hit its 2009 target.
Meeting rising power demand in North Africa

31 July 2008, 14:33 GMT
Electricity producers across North Africa are investing heavily in building new capacity, with coal-fired plants and wind power accounting for an increasingly large share of the market.
Besix and Veolia sign Abu Dhabi wastewater deal

30 July 2008, 16:54 GMT
Besix of the Netherlands and France’s Veolia have signed a build-own-operate-transfer contract with the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority.
GE wins Emirates Aluminium supply contract

30 July 2008, 16:32 GMT
The US’ GE has won a $500m contract to supply equipment to the captive power plant at the Emirates Aluminium (Emal) production facility near Al-Taweelah in Abu Dhabi.
Hyundai wins contract to build Jaber al-Ahmed substation

29 July 2008, 15:18 GMT
South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction has won the contract to build a 300/132/11KV substation at Jaber al-Ahmed in Kuwait.
Bahrain set to announce preferred bidder for Addur power and water plant

29 July 2008, 14:25 GMT
The preferred bidder on the Addur independent water and power project (IWPP) will be announced in the first week of August, after Bahrain’s Tender Board approves the final evaluation of the bids.
Oman issues wastewater tenders

28 July 2008, 15:25 GMT
Oman Wastewater Services Company (OWSC) has issued a new tender for civil works on the Muscat wastewater project.
Locals bid low for maintenance work

28 July 2008, 14:30 GMT
The local SKS Group is the low bidder for the contract to operate and maintain power and water treatment plants for the Ministry of Electricity & Water.
The coal option

27 July 2008, 9:44 GMT
In a part of the world as rich in oil and gas as the Gulf, opting to use coal to generate electricity may seem like a retrograde step. Yet it could be as little as five years before the Gulf develops its first coal-fired power plant.
Adwea offers Shuweihat 3 to Marubeni

25 July 2008, 17:50 GMT
Japanese contractor receives exclusive invitation to develop plant for same price as Shuweihat 2.
Gecol to convert Tripoli West to IPP

25 July 2008, 16:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi government set to fund $1.3bn scheme to build 1,400MW plant.
Consortiums begin to form for Rabigh power project

25 July 2008, 16:08 GMT
Ability of companies to secure resources for the scheme remains in doubt.
Fixed pricing carries risks for Adwea

25 July 2008, 15:45 GMT
If Adwea fails to strike an exclusive deal with Marubeni, it will have lost time in talks while project costs rise.
Gas supply drives energy revolution

25 July 2008, 15:39 GMT
Gulf utilities need to find alternative energy sources as they do not have enough gas to fire their power plants.
Joining the nuclear club

25 July 2008, 14:02 GMT
As Gulf states step up plans to develop atomic energy, they face growing competition for technology and expertise.
Sustainable power: The search for alternatives

25 July 2008, 13:15 GMT
Governments in the region are diversifying their energy schemes as a solution to the growing demand for electricity and the rising cost of gas.
Sustainable power: The search for alternatives

25 July 2008, 13:15 GMT
Governments in the region are diversifying their energy schemes as a solution to the growing demand for electricity and the rising cost of gas.
Study submitted for Iran-Dubai electricity link

24 July 2008, 14:39 GMT
Belgium’s Tractebel Engineering and Italy’s Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano have submitted their technical conclusions on a proposed interconnection between Dubai and Iran.
Suez bids low for Addur plant

24 July 2008, 13:18 GMT
A team of Belgium’s Suez Energy International and Kuwait’s Gulf Investment Corporation is the lower bidder for Bahrain’s Addur independent water and power project (IWPP). Price offers for the project were opened on 24 July.
Exploring the coal option

24 July 2008, 10:19 GMT
Several countries in the region are considering coal as a means to meet soaring demand for power, but it is an option that will require heavy investment.
Nexans signs contract for Qatar power expansion

23 July 2008, 17:12 GMT
France’s Nexans has signed a contract for the phase 8 expansion and development of Qatar’s electricity transmission network.
Rabigh power plant bids due in August

23 July 2008, 16:42 GMT
Bids for the phase 6 extension of Saudi Electricity Company’s (SEC) Rabigh power plant are due on 20 August.
Sembcorp evaulates cost of expanding Fujairah 1

22 July 2008, 13:02 GMT
Singapore’s Sembcorp is evaluating quotes from consultants for the project to expand the capacity of the Fujairah 1 independent water and power project.
Dewa receives bids for Hassyan Station P power plant

22 July 2008, 11:18 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has received seven bids for the first phase of the project to develop Station P at Hassyan.
Ras al-Zour preferred bidder to be selected by October

21 July 2008, 15:28 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Water & Electricity Company (WEC) will select a preferred bidder for the Ras al-Zour independent water and power project before the end of September, according to sources at the utility.
Maaden power plant award due in August

21 July 2008, 13:57 GMT
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) will hold clarification meetings with the two bidders for the Ras al-Zour captive power plant project on 28 and 29 July.
Malaysians to build power plant in Ajman

17 July 2008, 14:00 GMT
The government of Ajman has signed an agreement with Malaysia’s MMC Utilities, a subsidiary of MMC Corporation, for the development of a power plant in the emirate.
Dubai extends bid deadline on solar project

17 July 2008, 13:32 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has extended the bid deadline for engineering consultancy services on its first solar power project to 5 August.
Cairo's subsidy bill grows by 130 per cent

15 July 2008, 13:41 GMT
Egypt’s subsidies bill for the first 11 months of the financial year rose to£E76bn ($14.3bn), according to figures released by Minister of Finance Youssef Boutros Ghali.
Libya signs Ras Lanuf refinery deal

15 July 2008, 13:11 GMT
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a $2.5bn agreement with the UAE-based Star Consortium for the upgrade of the Ras Lanuf refinery, the country's largest.
Sacyr wins Libyan projects

14 July 2008, 15:27 GMT
Spain’s Sacyr Vallehermoso has won three construction contracts in deals worth EU600m ($957m) in Libya through its subsidiary SV Ledico.
Kuwait issues drainage and sanitation tenders

14 July 2008, 14:22 GMT
Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works has issued two tenders for the construction, completion and maintenance of roads, rainwater drainage and sanitary services in the East Qurain area.
Dubai defies concerns over hydrogen plant with Beijing

11 July 2008, 17:16 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) says it will go ahead with plans to build a $3bn hydrogen power plant in partnership with China, after two Dubai-based firms that had signed up to the project said it might no longer be economically viable.
Riyadh calls on privatisation advisers to freeze fees

11 July 2008, 16:59 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Saline Water Conversion Company (SWCC) is calling for advisers on the proposed sell-off of the kingdom's desalination facilities to freeze their fees at the level they first quoted one year ago.
Amman raises fuel prices

10 July 2008, 12:57 GMT
Jordan has raised fuel prices for the sixth time this year as it struggles to deal with the high cost of imported oil.
Egyptian inflation reaches 20%

10 July 2008, 12:24 GMT
Egyptian inflation rose to 20.2 per cent in the year to June, the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation & Statistics (CAPMAS) reported on 10 July, up from 19.7 per cent a month earlier.
UAE launches health council

9 July 2008, 16:31 GMT
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, vice-president of the UAE, has issued a decree establishing a national health council.
Qatari bank to launch in Libya

9 July 2008, 16:01 GMT
Qatari bank Masraf Al Rayan has received approval from the Qatar Central Bank to open a representative office in Libya.
Kuwait issues drainage tender

8 July 2008, 13:29 GMT
Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works has issued the latest tender as part of wider plans to improve sanitary drainage networks in the country.
Barwa to build hotel in Libya

8 July 2008, 13:10 GMT
Qatar’s Barwa International is to build a 4 star hotel in Libya.
UAE appoints nuclear envoy to international energy agency

7 July 2008, 13:32 GMT
The UAE has nominated its first ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as part of the country’s plans to launch a civilian nuclear power programme.
Al-Kharafi bids low for Kuwait drainage network

7 July 2008, 13:17 GMT
The local Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al-Kharafi & Sons is the low bidder for the phase 10 renovation of the drainage network in the Bayan area of Kuwait.
Riyadh seeks interest in gas-fired plant

4 July 2008, 16:34 GMT
Kingdom’s second independent power project moves ahead as Rabigh scheme faces delays.
Dubai sets fast-track schedule for solar power plant study

4 July 2008, 16:26 GMT
Dubai is to award the feasibility study for its first solar power plant by October in a bid to fast-track renewable energy resources. However, contractors fear its timetable is too tight.
Cairo confident of hitting deficit target

4 July 2008, 16:21 GMT
Finance Ministry says budget deficit will be maintained at 6.9 per cent of GDP for second year running.
Amman sells electricity distribution companies

3 July 2008, 16:16 GMT
Jordan's Kingdom Electricity Company is to buy the government's stakes in Electricity Distribution Company (Edco) and Irbid District Electricity Company (Ideco).
Alstom wins contract to expand Shuaiba power plant

3 July 2008, 13:39 GMT
France’s Alstom has signed a letter of intent with Saudi Electricity Company for a Eur1.9bn ($3bn) turnkey contract to build a thermal power plant in the kingdom.
Sonatrach signs gas export agreements

2 July 2008, 18:47 GMT
Algerian state-energy company Sonatrach has signed gas supply agreements with three international companies.
Electricite du Liban makes massive loss

2 July 2008, 17:26 GMT
State-owned power company Electricite du Liban (EdL) lost $662m in the first five months of the year, 85 per cent higher than in the same period last year.
Alstom signs Tunisia power plant deal

1 July 2008, 15:39 GMT
France’s Alstom has signed the contract to build a 400MW combined cycle power plant at Ghannouch in southern Tunisia.
Dewa delays issuing Hassyan plant tenders

1 July 2008, 14:03 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) is likely to delay issuing tenders for Q Station and the second phase of P Station until the end of 2008, according to a source at the authority.
Bharat Heavy wins Syria power contract

30 June 2008, 15:48 GMT
India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) has won a turnkey contract to build a 400MW extension to the Tishreen thermal power plant in Syria - its first ever contract in the country’s power sector.
Three line up for Ras al-Zour

30 June 2008, 15:09 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Water & Electricity Company (WEC) has opened bids from three consortiums vying for the 850 - 1100MW 220 million gallon a day Ras al-Zour independent water and power project.
Jordan signs nuclear memorandum with UK

30 June 2008, 12:44 GMT
Jordan and the UK have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on nuclear cooperation.
Power: The importance of partnering

27 June 2008, 15:11 GMT
With Riyadh investing billions in power and water projects, developers are flooding into the market. But joining up with companies that are experienced in the sector will be essential.
Fresh power tender raises doubts over Mabar project

6 June 2008, 16:21 GMT
New plant has backing of the World Bank and could replace existing scheme.
Muscat to issue tenders for Al-Ghubrah advisory work

6 June 2008, 15:38 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) is to issue tenders for the advisory contracts on the planned Al-Ghubrah independent water and power project (IWPP) in July.
Assem Ragab on Eqypt's plan to attract investors

6 June 2008, 14:34 GMT
The chairman of the General Authority for Investment & Free Zones on Egypt’s strategy to attract investors.
Abu Dhabi firm gives go ahead to Morocco refinery

4 June 2008, 17:53 GMT
The board of Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) has approved plans to build a refinery in Morocco.
Kuwait awards substation contract to Ahlea

4 June 2008, 16:39 GMT
The local Al-Ahlea Electric Boards Company has been awarded the contract for the supply and installation of five 132/11 kV substations at Jaber al-Ahmed.
August deadline for Masdar solar plant

3 June 2008, 12:41 GMT
Prequalified companies have until 31 August to submit their bids for the largest solar power project in the world, the Shams 1 plant in Abu Dhabi. The client is Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).
Oman retenders contract to build Duqm plant

3 June 2008, 11:58 GMT
Oman’s Rural Areas Electricity Company has retendered the project to build a power plant at Duqm, on the Gulf of Masirah in the east of the country.
Nexans and El-Sewedy to build power cable plants in Qatar

2 June 2008, 16:01 GMT
France’s Nexans and Egypt’s El-Sewedy Cables have announced plans to build power cable plants in Qatar.
Two firms bid for Ras al-Zour power plant

2 June 2008, 15:13 GMT
Two companies have submitted bids for the 2,400MW Ras al-Zour captive power plant project.
Cairo studies proposal for coal-fired power plant

30 May 2008, 17:40 GMT
Cairo is considering a proposal to build a 5,000MW coal-fired power plant on the Red Sea coast.
Firms line up for Cairo's nuclear programme

30 May 2008, 17:33 GMT
Cairo has moved a step closer to starting a nuclear power programme after the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) received seven bids for the consultancy contract for the scheme.
Sharjah power authority enters final talks over Hamriya

30 May 2008, 17:07 GMT
Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority (Sewa) is in final negotiations with the three bidders for the contract to build the largest power plant in the emirate, at Hamriya.
Cairo needs coal power

30 May 2008, 15:44 GMT
Uncertainty over the availability of fuel supplies has left the power industry wondering how it can increase generating capacity.
The road from Sharm el-Sheikh

30 May 2008, 15:07 GMT
Issues of instability and political disagreements soon resurfaced at the World Economic Forum.
Power: Rapid expansion stretches resources in Qatar

30 May 2008, 14:44 GMT
As Qatar General Water & Electricity Corporation conducts the biggest transmission expansion project in the region, securing contractors to carry out the work is becoming increasingly difficult.
Masdar to invest $2bn in photovoltaic technology

29 May 2008, 15:47 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced that its subsidiary Masdar PV will invest $2bn in thin-film photovoltaic technology.
GE signs Saudi contracts worth $500m

29 May 2008, 14:54 GMT
The US’s GE has signed contracts worth more than SR1.87bn ($500m) to supply gas turbines and generators to power plant projects in the kingdom.
Chinese win Libyan cement deal

28 May 2008, 17:14 GMT
China National Building Material Company has won a LD116.5m ($98.8m) contract to build a cement factory in Libya for the Cement African Company.
Egypt develops electricity market rules

28 May 2008, 16:09 GMT
The Egyptian Electric Utility and Consumer Protect Regulatory Agency is currently preparing the blueprint for a competitive electricity market, ahead of the launch of a deregulated electricity market within three years.
Jordan secures Korean financing for wastewater plant

27 May 2008, 16:42 GMT
The Water Authority of Jordan has signed an agreement with the South Korean government for the Export-Import Bank of Korea to provide funding for a wastewater treatment plant south of Amman.
Cairo to maintain growth ‘at any cost’

23 May 2008, 17:06 GMT
Finance Ministry vows to keep GDP growth rate at 7 per cent this year as rising food prices fuel inflation.
Tax reform is test for Cairo

23 May 2008, 16:01 GMT
The Egyptian government says the tax breaks it has introduced should not have come as such a big surprise to companies.
Oil majors threaten to cut investment in Eqypt's gas sector

23 May 2008, 13:51 GMT
Firms request talks with government over plans to abolish free zone privileges for high energy users.
Egypt aims for faster industrial growth

22 May 2008, 16:13 GMT
Cairo is targeting a growth rate of 9 per cent a year for its industrial sector by the end of 2009, according to Minister of Trade & Industry Rachid Rachid.
Power tenders near in Egypt

22 May 2008, 15:44 GMT
The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) will issue tenders for three new power generation projects over the next 19 months.
Suez signs Jeddah water management contract

21 May 2008, 16:29 GMT
A team of France’s Suez Environnement and the local Acwa Power Development has signed the contract to manage water and wastewater networks in Jeddah.
Citadel subsidiary signs river transport contract

20 May 2008, 17:15 GMT
The National River Transportation Company (NRTC) has signed its first contract for cargo transport using the Nile River.
Dubai to educate Egyptian government officials

19 May 2008, 14:26 GMT
Cairo and the Dubai School of Government have signed a memorandum of understanding covering the training of Egyptian government officials in the emirate.
Riyadh launches third phase of water privatisation plan

16 May 2008, 14:53 GMT
Private-public partnership to focus on effective reuse of treated water and sludge.
Hassyan P station phase 2 faces delay

15 May 2008, 18:35 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) could delay the retender of the second phase of its planned Station P project at Hassyan by a year, according to a source close to the scheme.
Suez Energy International bids low for Shuweihat 2

15 May 2008, 17:57 GMT
Belgium’s Suez Energy International is the low bidder for the Shuweihat 2 independent water and power project (IWPP) in Abu Dhabi.
Bids for Addur power and water project in Bahrain due in June

14 May 2008, 16:43 GMT
The bid deadline for Bahrain’s Addur independent water and power project has been postponed by nearly a month to 4 June.
Doha sets up Ras Laffan C project company

12 May 2008, 17:27 GMT
The Ras Girtas Power Company (RGPC), which will own, operate and manage the Ras Laffan C independent water and power project (IWPP), has been incorporated in Qatar.
Palm Utilities seeks change in Dubai tariff to reflect efficiency

9 May 2008, 17:51 GMT
Company claims Dewa fails to consider energy saving at district cooling plants.
Tripoli West faces delays as Gecol tries to secure budget

9 May 2008, 16:21 GMT
Contractors fear project will be postponed as financing is not yet in place.
Perseverance pays in Libya's tough market

9 May 2008, 15:47 GMT
While the Al-Khaleej steam project has financing, Gecol has failed to secure funds for Tripoli West.
Saudi Electricity Company: MEED Assessment

9 May 2008, 13:43 GMT
SEC is improving transmission and distribution networks but existing agreements with developers may cause problems
Saudi Electricity Company

9 May 2008, 11:55 GMT
The state utility is introducing a series of changes to improve efficiency and performance.
Q&A: Ali Saleh al-Barrak, CEO, Saudi Electricity Company

9 May 2008, 11:22 GMT
Ali Saleh al-Barrak explains the role of Independent power projects (IPPs) in future operations
Factional fighting spreads in Lebanon

8 May 2008, 17:23 GMT
Violent clashes between government loyalists and Hezbollah supporters spread beyond the Lebanese capital on 8 May as fighting broke out in the Bekaa Valley in the east of the country.
Inflation hits 16.4 per cent in Egypt

8 May 2008, 16:27 GMT
Egyptian urban inflation rose to a three-year high of 16.4 per cent in the year to April, according to statistics released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation & Statistics on 8 May.
Four bids in for Al-Qatrana

8 May 2008, 11:09 GMT
A total of four groups submitted bids for the Al-Qatrana independent power project (IPP) in Jordan on 29 April.
Donors pledge $4.8bn to Sudan

7 May 2008, 18:22 GMT
Donors meeting in Norway pledged $4.8bn in aid to Sudan up to 2011, Hartwig Schafer, director of strategy at the World Bank told the conference on 7 May.
Oman Power & Water Company rated

7 May 2008, 17:32 GMT
Standard & Poor’s announced on 7 May that it has assigned Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) an ‘A’ long-term corporate credit rating with a stable outlook.
Five in line for Electricite du Liban deal

6 May 2008, 15:13 GMT
Lebanon’s Water & Electricity Ministry has received five bids for a scheme designed to improve the efficiency of state-owned Electricite du Liban.
Oman appoints financial adviser for Barka 3 power project

6 May 2008, 14:45 GMT
Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has named Bank Muscat as the the financial adviser for its project to build a new independent water and power project in Oman.
Ras al-Zour hits further delay

2 May 2008, 17:28 GMT
The deadline for the world’s largest independent water and power project (IWPP), at Ras al-Zour in Saudi Arabia, has again been delayed after a request from bidders.
Riyadh and Cairo consider plans to connect power grids

2 May 2008, 17:02 GMT
Project could provide a link between planned GCC network and Europe.
Regional power link-up makes sense

2 May 2008, 15:12 GMT
A grid link with Egypt will allow not only Saudi Arabia but also the rest of the GCC to draw on electricity from its western neighbours.
Dubai retenders Hassyan power and water plant

2 May 2008, 11:22 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has decided to retender its station P project at Hassyan. According to a Dewa official, the prices submitted by bidders on 30 April were too high
Mubarak raises public sector salaries by 30 per cent

1 May 2008, 17:43 GMT
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has said the government will increase public sector salaries by 30 per cent, twice the level proposed in its budget for the coming year.
Alstom wins contract to build Ghannouch plant

30 April 2008, 17:27 GMT
France’s Alstom has won the contract to build a 400 MW combined-cycle power plant at Ghannouch, near Gabes on Tunisia’s southeast coast.
Four bidders line up for Al-Qatrana power project

30 April 2008, 13:56 GMT
Four groups have submitted bids for the Al-Qatrana independent power project (IPP) in Jordan.
Muslim Brotherhood gives backing to 4 May strike

29 April 2008, 16:56 GMT
The leader of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Mahdy Akef, has called on Egyptians to take part in a general strike on 4 May, the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak.
Veolia signs Riyadh water contract

29 April 2008, 15:23 GMT
France’s Veolia Water has signed a $60m contract for the management of water and wastewater networks in Riyadh with Saudi Arabia’s Water and Electricity Ministry.
Chinese to boost capacity of Sudanese dam

28 April 2008, 15:10 GMT
The state-owned Sinohydro Corporation and China Water and Electric Corporation have signed a contract to increase the height of the Roseires dam in eastern Sudan.
Kuwait issues Subiya tender

28 April 2008, 14:30 GMT
Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity & Water has issued the long-awaited tender for the contract to build the Subiya power plant.
Loss of developer puts Yemen power project in doubt

25 April 2008, 18:34 GMT
The future of an independent power project (IPP) at Mabar is uncertain as Turkey’s Gama Energy, one of the developers on the project, looks set to pull out.
Gulf's first coal-fired power plant to be built at Duqm

25 April 2008, 18:20 GMT
The first coal-fired power plant in the Gulf could come on line as early as 2012, following a decision by Muscat to approve proposals for a plant at Duqm.
Race intensifies to build nuclear plants in UAE

25 April 2008, 17:18 GMT
UAE signs deal paving the way for US nuclear technology firms to compete with French rivals.
No future for GCC nuclear plan

25 April 2008, 16:23 GMT
Waiting for the GCC to get its act together is not an option. Individual states must put their own needs first.
Washington launches fresh claims over Syrian nuclear plant

24 April 2008, 17:18 GMT
In an attempt to prove that North Korea was helping Syria build a nuclear reactor, the White House has shown images supporting the claim to members of the US Congress.
Orascom Construction announces 42 per cent rise in profits

24 April 2008, 15:47 GMT
Orascom Construction Industries has reported a 42.5 per cent increase in net profit to $661.8m in its results for 2007, released on 24 April.
Abu Dhabi extends Shuweihat 2 deadline

23 April 2008, 17:31 GMT
Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea) has extended the bid deadline for the Shuweihat 2 independent power and water project (IWPPs) by three weeks to 14 May. The decision to postpone the bid date came at the request of several prospective bidders.
New Cairo water plant tendering process suspended

23 April 2008, 16:34 GMT
The tendering process for a planned New Cairo water treatment plant has been temporarily suspended, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Bids for Ras al-Zour pipeline due in early June

22 April 2008, 15:37 GMT
Bids for the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Ras al-Zour water pipeline will be opened on 2 June.
Deadline for Electricite du Liban bids delayed

22 April 2008, 15:14 GMT
The deadline for bids for the project to rescue the ailing state power company Electricity du Liban (EdL) has again been extended, this time from 15 April to 30 April.
UAE signs nuclear co-operation treaty with US

21 April 2008, 15:39 GMT
The UAE and US have signed an agreement covering co-operation on a civilian nuclear power programme.
Alstom wins $200m Taweelah aluminium contract

21 April 2008, 14:56 GMT
France’s Alstom has won a $200m contract for the supply of gas treatment centres to the planned Taweelah aluminium smelter. Emirates Aluminium (Emal) is the client.
Kurds seek finance for power projects

11 April 2008, 16:06 GMT
Plants will add 1,300MW of generation capacity by 2015 following 1,650MW increase over next 12 months.
Private finance is priority for Cairo's power capacity

11 April 2008, 14:17 GMT
While private investment in the power and water sectors has grown more prevalent in most countries around the region, Egypt has for the most part looked on from afar.
A shift in the power structure

11 April 2008, 13:43 GMT
The Egyptian electricity sector is set for a complete overhaul as Cairo allows in private companies and introduces competition to deliver a much-needed capacity increase.
Breach reveals conflicting interests

11 April 2008, 13:17 GMT
The recent crossing of the eastern frontier by hundreds of thousands of Gazans highlights the challenge Cairo faces in securing its border while demonstrating its support for the Palestinians.
Oman issues power and water forecast

8 April 2008, 14:54 GMT
Oman will require up to 2,985MW of new power generation capacity by 2014, according to Oman Power & Water Procurement Company’s latest seven-year statement. At least 29 million gallons a day (mg/d) of new desalination capacity will also be needed.
Ras al-Zour pipeline deadline delayed

8 April 2008, 13:37 GMT
The deadline for bids for the project to build the Ras al-Zour water pipeline has been extended until mid-June while issues over the selection of its route are resolved.
Moody's confirms credit rating for Taqa

7 April 2008, 15:29 GMT
Moody’s has confirmed its Aa2 credit rating for Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa).
Awards due on contracts for Kuwait substations

7 April 2008, 14:28 GMT
Awards are imminent on two major substation contracts in Kuwait.
Cairo seeks single nuclear provider

4 April 2008, 17:14 GMT
Egypt is likely to hand control of its nuclear power programme to a single company, according to a source close to the scheme.
Cairo set to end government monopoly of electricity supply

4 April 2008, 15:33 GMT
Parliament debates legislation allowing private sector suppliers to compete.
Chinese to build refinery in Syria

3 April 2008, 17:42 GMT
Syria’s Oil & Mineral Resources Ministry has signed an agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to build a refinery in the country.
Befesa wins contract to build Algerian desalination plant

3 April 2008, 16:46 GMT
Spain’s Befesa has won the contract to build a desalination plant at Tenes, 200 kilometres west of Algiers.
Morocco reports spike in imports

2 April 2008, 18:23 GMT
Morocco imported $6.4bn worth of crude oil and wheat during the first two months of 2008, a 32.5 per cent increase on the same period the previous year.
Request for proposals issued for Rabigh power plant

2 April 2008, 17:14 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has issued a request for proposals for its first independent power project at Rabigh to 24 prequalified companies.
Cairo carries out due diligence on wastewater project

1 April 2008, 13:15 GMT
The International Finance Corporation, in co-ordination with Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority, is set to complete due diligence on the New Cairo Wastewater project by the end of April.
Hyflux wins Mactaa desalination project

1 April 2008, 13:12 GMT
Singapore’s Hyflux is to build a desalination plant in Mactaa, in the northern Algerian province of Oran.
Oman invites international oil companies

31 March 2008, 18:07 GMT
Oman will invite international oil companies (IOCs) to develop five oil blocks in the country on a production-sharing basis, the country’s Oil Minister Mohammed bin Hamed bin Seif al-Rumhy was reported as saying by Reuters news agency.
Veolia opens Abu Dhabi office

31 March 2008, 17:10 GMT
France's Veolia Water is to expand its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first regional branch in Abu Dhabi.
Drought slows Moroccan economy

31 March 2008, 16:44 GMT
A sharp decline in revenues from the agricultural sector resulted in Morocco’s economic growth falling to 2.1 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2007, from 8.1 per cent for the same period in 2006, according to the High Planning Commission.
Marafiq takes on risk under Yanbu deal

28 March 2008, 16:44 GMT
Offtaker will assume responsibility for guaranteeing payments for water and power for the first time.
Muscat ditches plans for coal-fired plant

28 March 2008, 16:26 GMT
State power and water company launches study to find long-term solution for fuel feedstock.
Masdar prequalifiers due in April

27 March 2008, 17:31 GMT
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) says it is planning to release the list of companies prequalified for its first solar power plant project in mid-April.
Target wins Wave water contract in Muscat

27 March 2008, 17:03 GMT
The local Target has won the contract to supply water to The Wave project in Muscat. The client is the Public Authority for Electricity & Water.
Addur deadline moved to May

26 March 2008, 16:27 GMT
Bids for Bahrain’s Addur independent water and power project are due on 7 May after the deadline was extended by two weeks from 23 April.
Dubai authority unifies bid deadlines for power project

26 March 2008, 14:00 GMT
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has unified the bid deadlines for the first and second phases of the power and desalination Station P project at Hassyan.
UAE approves nuclear agency

25 March 2008, 15:46 GMT
The UAE cabinet has approved the creation of a new body which will oversee the development of the country’s nuclear power programme.
Suez Energy and Mitsui sign contracts for Ras Laffan C

25 March 2008, 15:10 GMT
A consortium of Belgium’s Suez Energy International and Japan’s Mitsui & Company has signed the contract for the Ras Laffan C independent water and power project in Qatar.
Riyadh targets $11bn in water savings

20 March 2008, 17:37 GMT
Saudi Arabia is aiming to make savings of $11bn from its water network in the latest phase of an efficiency drive, which could include raising tariffs and investing billions of dollars in stopping water leaking from the network.
Emirates raise tariffs in line with Dubai

20 March 2008, 17:20 GMT
Energy users across most of the UAE will have to pay more for their power and water within weeks, with both the Federal Electricity & Water Authority (Fewa) and the Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority (Sewa) set to introduce new sliding tariff structures.
Adwec forecasts need for new power and water capacity

20 March 2008, 16:30 GMT
Abu Dhabi will need to make a decision on commissioning a further power and water plant this year, according to the latest demand projections by the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Company (Adwec).
Electricity and water costs should be spelled out

20 March 2008, 14:50 GMT
In the coming weeks, three out of four of the UAE's electricity and water authorities will have restructured and raised their tariffs.
Closure of Libya's ministries causes concern

20 March 2008, 12:44 GMT
Is Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's shock move to put public utilities into private hands too much too soon for the North African state?
Gas shortfall hits utilities profits

20 March 2008, 12:23 GMT
The cost of fuel for power and water projects is rising, causing delays on new schemes.
GCC to share transmission lines with telecoms firms

19 March 2008, 12:47 GMT
The GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) is considering leasing its transmission lines to the region’s telecoms companies.
Four in line for Ras al-Zour water and power project

19 March 2008, 12:00 GMT
Four groups are still in the running for the Ras al-Zour independent water and power project in Saudi Arabia, sources close to the project tell MEED.
Three bids expected for Jordan power plant

19 March 2008, 11:56 GMT
Three bids are expected to be submitted for the Al-Qatrana independent power project (IPP) in Jordan, according to project sources.
Kuwait drainage projects move ahead

16 March 2008, 10:40 GMT
Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works has issued two major tenders for the renovation of sewage networks in various areas of Kuwait City.
Mushrif reservoir contract signed

16 March 2008, 10:27 GMT
Dubai-based Mammut Building Systems has signed the AED620m ($170m) contract for the expansion of the Mushrif water reservoir.
Gulf utility companies struggle to find developers for projects

14 March 2008, 18:38 GMT
Mounting workloads force contractors to drop out of bidding processes.
Financial close due on Ras Abu Fontas water plant in Qatar

13 March 2008, 16:41 GMT
The $450m financing of Qatar’s Ras Abu Fontas A1 independent water project is expected to close on 17 March.
Contracts signed for Dubai's M station power plant

13 March 2008, 16:16 GMT
Italy’s Fisia Italimpianti and South Korea’s Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction have signed engineering, procurement and construction contracts for the M station project at Jebel Ali in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi and Spain launch solar power company

13 March 2008, 13:35 GMT
Spain’s Sener Grupo de Ingenieria has formed a joint venture with Abu Dhabi’s Masdar iniative to build concentrating solar power (CSP) plants around the world.
Ras Laffan C deal delayed

12 March 2008, 17:21 GMT
The signing of project agreements on the Ras Laffan C independent water and power project has been delayed until late March, according to project sources.
Marafiq issues Yanbu tender

12 March 2008, 16:17 GMT
The Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (Marafiq) has issued a request for proposals for the Yanbu independent water and power project (IWPP). The deadline for bids is 27 August.
Consortiums formed for Addur water and power project

11 March 2008, 14:51 GMT
Prequalified bidders for the Addur independent water and power project have formed six consortiums with power and desalination contractors as they prepare to submit their proposals on 23 April.
Siemens bids low for GCC grid link for Kuwait

11 March 2008, 14:11 GMT
The German-Kuwaiti joint venture Siemens Electric & Electronic Services is the low bidder for the project to link the national control centre at Jabiriya with the GCC grid.
Adwea delays bids for Shuweihat 2 power and water plant

10 March 2008, 15:55 GMT
The bid deadline for the Shuweihat 2 independent water and power project in Abu Dhabi has been extended by a month to 26 April.
Riyadh issues water management consultancy tenders

10 March 2008, 11:57 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a request for proposals on the next phase of its water and wastewater network privatisation scheme.
Tunis evaluates sites to produce nuclear power by 2020

7 March 2008, 18:01 GMT
State power and gas utility Societe Tunisienne de l’Electricite & du Gaz (Steg) is carrying out technical and economic feasibility studies into the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country.
Gaddafi's abolition of ministries sparks unease

7 March 2008, 17:33 GMT
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's decision to abolish most government ministries could make foreign companies more nervous about investing in the country, according to observers.
Cairo to revive private sector power

7 March 2008, 17:10 GMT
Cairo is set to revive private sector involvement in the power generation sector, with legislation to go before parliament that will allow investors to develop plants independently of the government.
Power stays with Gaddafi’s people

7 March 2008, 16:51 GMT
Few politicians have the ability to create upheaval the way Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has. In his latest attempt to solve all the country’s problems at once, he has decided to dismantle most of its general peoples’ committees (ministries).
Dubai’s failing wastewater system

7 March 2008, 14:41 GMT
While the emirate’s sewerage network is struggling under the strain of increasing demand, better long-term planning is enabling other states to provide the necessary additional capacity.
Riyadh turns to private sector

7 March 2008, 14:22 GMT
The creation of the National Water Company will enable the kingdom to fulfil plans to privatise its water network, helping the sector to become economically viable.
Water management: A clear solution

7 March 2008, 14:12 GMT
With growing demand for water, governments in the region could reduce the need to build expensive new capacity by better managing their resources.
Dubai to launch thermal waste recycling

6 March 2008, 15:27 GMT
Dubai Municipality has announced it will develop the first thermal recycling project in the region.
Austrians take Duqm desalination job

6 March 2008, 14:47 GMT
Austria’s VA Tech Wabag has won the contract to build a desalination plant in the east of Oman.
US colleges to co-operate with King Abdullah University

5 March 2008, 18:03 GMT
Two US universities will help to develop the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (Kaust) in Saudi Arabia as part of deals announced on 4 March.
EFG-Hermes launches Saudi fund

5 March 2008, 17:37 GMT
Cairo-based investment bank EFG-Hermes has launched an equity fund in Saudi Arabia.
Algerian inflation at three-year high

5 March 2008, 17:00 GMT
Algeria’s annual inflation rate is at its highest for three years, according to central bank governor Mohamed Laksaci.
Dubai substation award due

4 March 2008, 16:50 GMT
An award is imminent on the contract to build 16 electricity substations in Dubai.
Gaddafi reshuffles cabinet

4 March 2008, 15:12 GMT
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has reshuffled his cabinet, replacing the deputy prime minister and two other ministers.
Gaddafi threatens to abolish government ministries

3 March 2008, 15:43 GMT
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has called for most of the country’s ministries to be abolished for failing to manage the country’s oil revenues.
Turks sign water pipeline contract for Eastern Province

3 March 2008, 15:07 GMT
A local/Turkish joint venture has signed a SR1.4bn ($375m) contract to build a major water pipeline as part of the scheme to develop a new water transmission network in the Eastern Province.
Contractors await Gecol payments

29 February 2008, 17:50 GMT
Contractors awarded packages on the 1,400MW Tripoli West and Al-Khaleej power plant projects in December have yet to receive advance payment from the client, General Electricity Company of Libya (Gecol).
Tripoli has to shake off the past

29 February 2008, 16:39 GMT
Libya is open for business. At least that is the message that Tripoli has been trying to convey to the outside world since sanctions were lifted four years ago.
Qatari investors to launch $350m resort in Syria

28 February 2008, 16:17 GMT
Qatari Diar has launched a $350m resort project in Lattakia on Syria’s coast, the company’s first in the country.
Saudi Electricity to add 35,000MW of power

28 February 2008, 14:02 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) will add 35,000MW of power generation capacity and invest $53bn in generation, transmission and distribution over the next nine years, according to Amer al-Swaha, head of the company’s independent power project (IPP) programme.
Dewa keeps coal as an option despite hydrogen power plans

27 February 2008, 17:24 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) says it will continue to develop plans for coal-fired power plants, despite unveiling a study into the feasibility of an innovative hydrogen power plant.
EU proposes closer ties with Libya

27 February 2008, 17:16 GMT
The European Commission has proposed starting talks on closer political and economic ties with Libya in 2008.
Palestinians plan more links with Egyptian power grid

26 February 2008, 16:59 GMT
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is planning to increase of electricity supply links between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, according to Energy Minister Omar Qattaneh, in a move to reduce the area’s reliance on Israeli power.
Algiers opens Hamma water plant

26 February 2008, 16:05 GMT
Algeria has opened the $250m Hamma desalination plant to supply up to 2 million residents of Algiers with drinking water.
Maltese firm to build hotel in Benghazi

25 February 2008, 16:12 GMT
Malta’s International Hotel Investments (IHI) has announced plans to build a five-star hotel on the coast in Benghazi as part of a joint venture with the Libyan Foreign Investment Company.
Jericho receives Jordanian power

25 February 2008, 15:33 GMT
The town of Jericho in the West Bank has been connected to the Jordanian electricity grid, ending its dependence on power supplies from Israel.
Dubai plans coal-fired electricity plant

22 February 2008, 18:00 GMT
Gas shortages drive emirate to consider alternative energy sources such as steam and nuclear
Dubai power and water tariff hikes too limited in scope to cut consumption

22 February 2008, 17:27 GMT
Exemptions undermine chances of reducing power and water use.
Ras Laffan C financing set for March

22 February 2008, 17:14 GMT
The $2.5bn financing for the Ras Laffan C independent water and power project is to be launched in early March, once key project agreements have been signed.
Coal is Dubai’s best option to meet rising demand

22 February 2008, 15:15 GMT
In the latest sign that the Gulf is starting to take innovative steps to deal with soaring demand for power, Dubai is planning to build several coal-fired power plants.
Metito: MEED Assessment

22 February 2008, 14:21 GMT
Metito has a strong track record in the region, but it is still a relatively small player in the water and wastewater market
Metito

22 February 2008, 14:04 GMT
Managing director Fady Juez outlines plans to float the company within three years.
Q&A: Fady Juez, Managing Director, Metito

22 February 2008, 14:04 GMT
Juez believes Metito can compete with larger, well-established regional players. He explains why
Moroccan wind farm bids due in October

21 February 2008, 12:29 GMT
Prequalified companies have been invited to submit proposals for the 300MW Tarfaya wind farm by 15 October. Office National de l’Electricite is the client.
Kema wins Bahrain electricity network contract

20 February 2008, 17:19 GMT
Dutch consultancy Kema has signed a contract with Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) to improve the maintenance and operating processes of the country’s electricity transmission and distribution network.
Call for Medina and Dammam water consultants due

20 February 2008, 16:15 GMT
The requests for proposals for consultancy work on the privatisation of water and wastewater networks in Dammam and Medina will be issued next week, according to Deputy Water and Electricity Minister Loay al-Musallam.
Electricite du Liban scheme delayed

20 February 2008, 14:50 GMT
The deadline for bids to save the loss-making state utility company Electricite du Liban (EdL) has been delayed by two months amid continuing political instability.
Dubai raises water and electricity tariffs

19 February 2008, 15:03 GMT
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is to raise water and electricity from 1 March, although locals will be exempt from the price rises.
GCC interconnection authority selects new chairman

19 February 2008, 14:02 GMT
Yousuf Janahi, corporate planning and business development manager at Qatar General Water & Electricity Corporation (Kahramaa) has been selected as the next chairman of the Gulf Co-operation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA).
Bharat wins Western Mountain expansion contract

18 February 2008, 15:02 GMT
India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) has won the engineering, procurement and construction contract for a 300MW extension to the Western Mountain power plant. General Electricity Company of Libya (Gecol) is the client.
French firms set to dominate privatised Saudi water network

15 February 2008, 17:11 GMT
French companies are set to dominate the privatised Saudi water network, with Paris-based Suez now the frontrunner to take charge of the Jeddah water system, and Veolia Water due to sign a similar contract for Riyadh within days.
Algiers aims to export solar power

15 February 2008, 15:55 GMT
Algeria could start exporting solar power to Germany by 2013, according to Tewfik Hasni, president and general manager of the country's renewable energy agency, New Energy Algeria.
Profits fall at Qatari electricity firm

14 February 2008, 17:11 GMT
Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) has announced a 20.5 per cent fall in profits over the past year.
Arab Bank wins stake in Libya's Wahda Bank

14 February 2008, 15:46 GMT
Arab Bank has been selected as the strategic partner for the privatisation of Wahda Bank, after financial offers were opened on 13 February.
World Bank to evaluate Red-Dead commercial bids

13 February 2008, 17:36 GMT
Commercial offers for the feasibility study and environmental assessment for the Red Sea-Dead Sea conveyor project will be opened on 19 February.
Tractebel wins Egyptian grid masterplan contract

13 February 2008, 17:10 GMT
Brussels-based Tractebel Engineering has been awarded the consultancy contract for the development of a masterplan for Egypt’s power transmission network.
Firms prepare for commercial bids on Riyadh power plant

12 February 2008, 15:22 GMT
Bidders for the project to build a 2,000MW power plant near Riyadh have held technical clarification meetings with the client Saudi Electricity Company (SEC).
Maaden extends deadline for captive power plant

12 February 2008, 14:48 GMT
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has extended the deadline for bids to build a power, steam and desalination plant at its Ras al-Zour aluminium complex to 3 May.
Jordan sets up committee to develop water sector

11 February 2008, 15:50 GMT
Jordan’s King Abdullah is establishing a royal committee to develop the country’s water sector. The new body will be headed by Prince Faisal, the king’s younger brother.
United Gulf bids low for Oman wastewater contract

11 February 2008, 15:06 GMT
Kuwait’s United Gulf Construction Company has submitted the lowest price at RO63.5m ($165m) for the main collector sewer on the Seeb sewage collection and conveyance system project.
Tractebel to draw up gas masterplan for Tripoli

8 February 2008, 17:47 GMT
Tripoli has appointed Brussels-based consultant Tractebel Engineering to prepare a strategic gas masterplan for the country.
Political instability jeopardises rescue bid for state utility firm

8 February 2008, 17:15 GMT
A rescue bid to save the beleaguered Lebanese state utility company Electricite du Liban (EdL), which is losing up to $1bn a year, could be delayed because of the country’s political instability.
Qatar explores alternatives to gas

8 February 2008, 12:15 GMT
Qatar plans to build either nuclear or solar power plants to meet its growing domestic energy demand, which will allow it to divert gas to the lucrative export market.
Areva wins two power contracts in UAE

7 February 2008, 15:14 GMT
France’s Areva has won two turnkey power transmission and distribution contracts in the UAE. The contracts are worth Eur86m ($126m).
Chinese sign Libyan rail contracts worth $2.6bn

7 February 2008, 11:28 GMT
Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has signed two contracts, worth a total of LD3.2bn ($2.6bn), for the construction of two railway lines in Libya.
Wastewater contracts awarded in Oman

6 February 2008, 17:09 GMT
Oman Wastewater Services Company (OWS) has awarded two contracts as part of its Muscat wastewater project.
Lahmeyer wins consultancy contract on Egyptian barrage

6 February 2008, 17:02 GMT
Germany’s Lahmeyer has signed an engineering consultancy services contract for the project to build a new barrage with a 32MW hydropower plant at Assiut on the Nile.
Wastewater contracts awarded in Oman

6 February 2008, 15:59 GMT
Oman Wastewater Services Company (OWS) has awarded two contracts as part of its Muscat wastewater project.
Cairo wastewater deadline extended

4 February 2008, 15:32 GMT
The deadline for the submission of qualification documents for the New Cairo wastewater treatment plant has been extended to 17 February. Documents were originally due to be submitted on 3 February.
Doosan bids low for Jeddah phase three

4 February 2008, 14:52 GMT
A consortium of South Korea’s Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction with Doosan Hydro Technology and the local Wetico is the low bidder for the phase three expansion of the Jeddah desalination plant.
Doha prepares solar and nuclear plans

1 February 2008, 17:51 GMT
Kahramaa to build world’s largest solar power plant or nuclear facility to meet surge in energy demand
Gas shortfall stalls Libya-Tunisia pipeline

1 February 2008, 17:22 GMT
Project in doubt as Tripoli re-evaluates its ability to enter into long-term supply agreements
Riyadh delays wastewater services privatisation plan

1 February 2008, 16:29 GMT
Supreme Economic Council yet to give ministry approval to begin the process
Egyptian nuclear tender to go ahead in mid-February

31 January 2008, 16:45 GMT
The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company will formally release the first tender documents for Cairo’s nuclear power programme in mid-February, after some documents which had been released prematurely were withdrawn.
BP makes deep gas find in Egypt

31 January 2008, 16:14 GMT
The UK’s BP has made a gas discovery at record depths in the Nile Delta. The Satis discovery was made in the North El-Burg offshore concession, 50 kilometres north of Damietta.
Bids for Tunisia's Ghannouch power plant due in February

30 January 2008, 17:12 GMT
Firms bidding to build a 400 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant at Ghannouch, in Tunisia, have been asked to submit commercial offers by the end of February.
Saudi Electricity seeks interest in power plant

30 January 2008, 16:44 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has issued a request for qualifications for the project to build its first ever independent power project (IPP) on 30 January. Responses are due by 18 February.
Hill wins Al-Ain irrigation contract

29 January 2008, 14:58 GMT
The US’ Hill International has won the project management contract on the AED 600m ($163m) irrigation masterplan for Al-Ain.
Bahrain starts race for Addur water and power plant

29 January 2008, 12:49 GMT
Bahrain’s Finance Ministry has issued a request for proposals for the contract to build the Addur independent water and power project.
Microsoft signs up to Arab research portal

28 January 2008, 17:31 GMT
Microsoft has signed an agreement with the Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum Foundation to launch an Arab Education and Research Network Portal.
Lindenberg wins water pipleine job

28 January 2008, 16:58 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based Lindenberg Emirates has won the engineering, procurement and construction contract for a $157m water transmission pipeline from Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (Transco), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea).
Medical research company launches at Qatar's science park

28 January 2008, 15:59 GMT
The Scientific Medical Applied Research & Development Company (Smard) has launched as Qatar’s first biotechnology and medical research company.
Iran receives final delivery of Russian uranium

28 January 2008, 15:35 GMT
Tehran received its eighth and final shipment of uranium from Moscow on 28 January.
Why the Gulf is going nuclear - the case for atomic energy

25 January 2008, 16:14 GMT
Is nuclear power the best way to satisfy the region’s growing demand for energy?
Kahramaa launches further $1bn expansion of network

25 January 2008, 15:36 GMT
The first underground substations will be built in Qatar as part of General Electricity & Water Corporation’s (Kahramaa) latest $1bn expansion of its transmission and distribution system.
Muscat considers coal plant as gas shortage fears grow

25 January 2008, 14:51 GMT
Oman’s next independent power and water project (IWPP) could be the first coal-fired plant in the Gulf, say sources close to the scheme.
Larsen & Toubro wins multiple Gulf contracts

24 January 2008, 16:55 GMT
India’s Larsen & Toubro has been awarded contracts worth RS10.6bn ($267m) to build substations and transmission lines in Oman and the UAE.
Energy Central wins Durrat al-Bahrain desalination plant

24 January 2008, 16:00 GMT
The local Energy Central has won a contract to design, build and operate a seawater desalination plant under a 25-year concession at the Durrat al-Bahrain mixed-use development.
Doubts raised over Libyan plans to deport illegal immigrants

24 January 2008, 15:10 GMT
Doubts have been raised over Tripoli's claim that it will expel the estimated 1 million illegal immigrants in the country.
Major substation awards near in Kuwait

23 January 2008, 16:29 GMT
Awards are imminent on two major substation projects in Kuwait, worth almost $160m in total.
Ashghal awards sewage network contract for Doha

23 January 2008, 15:47 GMT
Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has signed a contract for the construction of the network to serve the Doha North sewage treatment plant with South Korea’s Ultra Construction & Engineering Company.
Ministers approve National Water Company

22 January 2008, 16:47 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has licensed the National Water Company, meaning the privatisation of water networks in the country's largest cities can now go ahead.
Jordan delays bid deadline for Qatrana IPP

22 January 2008, 16:10 GMT
Jordan’s Energy & Mineral Resources Ministry has delayed the deadline for proposals for the independent power plant (IPP) at Al-Qatrana until April.
Kuwait issues transmission and distribution tenders

21 January 2008, 17:35 GMT
Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a number of tenders for transmission and distribution projects.
Emal awards $490m power plant contract to US firm

21 January 2008, 16:56 GMT
Emirates Aluminium Company (Emal) has awarded a AED1.8bn ($490m) contract for the power plant at its smelter project to the US’ GE.
Nuclear case is unproven

18 January 2008, 17:19 GMT
Nuclear power has been a divisive political issue in the Middle East in recent years, mainly because of suspicions over Iran’s intentions. But few objections have been raised to the recent moves by the UAE and Qatar to join the nuclear power club - the issue for them is whether it makes economic sense.
French deals threaten GCC nuclear plans

18 January 2008, 15:55 GMT
Egypt set to follow UAE and Qatar by launching nuclear programme next month
Cairo agrees loan for Abu Qir power plant

18 January 2008, 12:22 GMT
Cairo has concluded a loan agreement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for KD30m ($105m) to help fund a new power plant.
The 12 most influential Gulf businesswomen

18 January 2008, 11:17 GMT
Biographies of Lubna Olayan, Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani, Sheikha al-Bahar, Maha Hussain, Fatima al-Jaber, Maryam Sharaf, Salma Hareb, Maha al-Ghunaim, Donna Sultan, Nahed Taher, Raja al-Gurg and Nabilah al-Tunisi.
Awards made on Qatar's phase eight expansion

17 January 2008, 15:34 GMT
India’s Larsen & Toubro, South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Spain’s Isolux Corsan have won contracts on phase eight of Qatar’s power transmission system expansion plan.
Bids due for Hamriya power plant in Sharjah

17 January 2008, 12:35 GMT
Technical and commercial bids for the engineering, procurement and construction contract to build the Hamriyah power plant in Sharjah are due on 24 January.
Veolia wins two UAE contracts

16 January 2008, 17:53 GMT
Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, a subsidiary of France’s Veolia Water, has been awarded two contracts worth a total of €22.4m ($33.3m) for wastewater and brackish water treatment and recycling plants in Dubai.
Deadline set for sale of Wahda Bank

16 January 2008, 16:48 GMT
Prequalified banks have been given until 29 January to submit their offers for a 19 per cent stake in Libya’s Wahda bank.
Areva wins Qatar power transmission contracts

15 January 2008, 16:00 GMT
France’s Areva has been awarded a Eur470m ($698m) contract on phase 8 of the multi-billion-dollar plan to expand Qatar's power transmission system.
Riyadh registers interest in Rabigh power plant

15 January 2008, 15:40 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is receiving expressions of interest in the project to build an independent power plant (IPP) at Rabigh.
Egypt awards Sidi Krier power packages

14 January 2008, 16:07 GMT
The local Orascom Construction Industries with Belgium’s Besix has been awarded the£E570m ($106m) civil works package on the 750MW Sidi Krier combined cycle power plant.
Maaden signs deal for substations

14 January 2008, 15:06 GMT
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has signed a $100m contract with the Swiss/local ABB Contracting Company for two substations.
Total offers nuclear power to UAE

14 January 2008, 14:32 GMT
A group of French companies, including oil giant Total, are to submit a plan to build a nuclear power plant to the UAE government.
Abu Dhabi to provide power to northern neighbours

11 January 2008, 17:16 GMT
A long-awaited agreement has been signed that will hand responsibility for power generation in the northern emirates to Abu Dhabi.
UAE needs to reform further

11 January 2008, 16:57 GMT
As the first female Economy Minister in the region, Sheikha Lubna al-Qasimi is unique. Her private sector background also marks her out. Since November 2004, she has overseen the UAE economy, one of the fastest growing in the world.
Dewa extends deadlines as suppliers struggle with demand

11 January 2008, 16:37 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has been forced to offer contractors more time to construct power plants, in the latest sign that supply issues are continuing to affect the market.
Amman to launch oil shale round

11 January 2008, 16:20 GMT
Jordan will launch its next oil shale licensing round within a month, according to the Natural Resources Authority.
Suez Energy in exclusive talks to develop Ras Laffan

11 January 2008, 16:15 GMT
Belgium firm is preferred bidder for independent water and power project.
Libyans to invest in Egyptian tourism

11 January 2008, 15:25 GMT
A delegation of 25 Libyan businessmen visitingEgypt
Canadians take Wimax work in Tunisia

11 January 2008, 14:56 GMT
Canada’s Redline Communications has won a contract to install new Wimax technology infrastructure in five Tunisian cities. The client is Divona Telecom, a local satellite and Wimax telecom provider. According to Redline, its products were chosen following a three-month trial period involving several Wimax vendors.
Q&A: Paddy Padmanathan, CEO, Acwa Power Projects

11 January 2008, 11:41 GMT
CEO Padmanathan thinks his company’s growth illustrates that local developers can succeed
Acwa Power Projects

11 January 2008, 11:39 GMT
The meteoric rise of Acwa has staggered observers and made it one of Saudi Arabia’s leading developers.
Acwa Power Projects: MEED Assessment

11 January 2008, 11:29 GMT
Following its quick ascent in Saudi Arabia, the company is on a recruitment drive and reorganising as it prepares to expand
Citadel Capital raises funding for expansion

10 January 2008, 16:48 GMT
Egyptian private equity firm Citadel Capital has raised£E456m ($84m) from shareholders through a rights issue.
Cairo prepares El-Dabaa nuclear power site

10 January 2008, 15:49 GMT
Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority has started studies at a possible site for the country’s first nuclear power plant, Electricity and Energy Minister Hassan Younis said during a tour of projects in Aswan.
Sudan to issue sukuk

9 January 2008, 18:28 GMT
Sudan is planning to issue its first ever sukuk to raise up to Eur100m ($147m).
Gulf Finance House plans Energy City Libya

9 January 2008, 16:32 GMT
Bahrain’s Gulf Finance House is to establish an energy hub in Libya.
Strabag wins Tajura upgrade

8 January 2008, 14:54 GMT
Austria’s Strabag has won a contract for the modernisation of the urban infrastructure in the city of Tajura, east of the capital Tripoli.
Addur power plant issues prequalification list

8 January 2008, 12:58 GMT
A total of 13 bids have been prequalified for the Addur independent power and water project (IWPP) in Bahrain.
Egypt accelerates the removal of subsidies

7 January 2008, 15:30 GMT
Cairo is considering speeding up the process of removing energy subsidies for industrial users, due to the increase in global oil prices.
Jeddah receives bids for water management deal

7 January 2008, 12:49 GMT
Six bids for the Jeddah water management network contract were submitted to the Electricity & Water Ministry on 5 January.
Sector outlook 2008: Power & Water

4 January 2008, 17:33 GMT
A shortage of resources will force clients to reassess project timetables and investment plans.In December, Saudi Arabia's Water & Elec-tricity Company (WEC) announced it was delaying the deadline for bids for the Ras al-Zour independent water and power project (IWPP) by 12 weeks, from 10 February to 4 May.
A year of opportunity: Egypt

4 January 2008, 17:20 GMT
Cairo is promising continued and impressive economic growth in 2008. But as it presses ahead with its economic reform programme, it risks leaving its most vulnerable citizens by the wayside. If it is to put an end to growing worker discontent, it must fulfil its promises of greater socio-economic inclusion.
Power shortages lead to project delays

21 December 2007, 11:43 GMT
Dubai’s real estate projects are facing delays as the emirate’s electricity grid fails to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth. Developers claim completion dates will be postponed by several months until substations are in place to supply power to mega-project developments.
Rising costs put Saudi energy scheme on verge of collapse

21 December 2007, 11:34 GMT
A Saudi scheme to build an independent power plant in Iran is close to collapse because of rising costs, says a source close to the project. Talk of its demise comes despite claims by Tehran that the project will go ahead. The 1,200MW power plant was due to be built by Saudi Arabia’s Xenel Company for Iran’s Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution Company (Tavanir) at Heris. Mohammad Ahmadian, Deputy Energy Minister for Power Affairs and Tavanir chairman, said in mid-December ...
Saudi Electricity launches first independent power project

21 December 2007, 11:04 GMT
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has launched its first independent power project (IPP), inviting expressions of interest for the 1,200MW plant at Rabigh on the Red Sea coast.
Local firm bids low for Sohar expansion

20 December 2007, 14:53 GMT
Hassan bin Juma bin Backer Trading & Contracting has submitted the lowest bid for the project to build and install the infrastructure for the expansion of the industrial estate at Sohar in Oman.
Suez Canal Authority suspends traffic

20 December 2007, 12:41 GMT
Traffic through the Suez Canal was suspended for six hours on 20 December after a Maltese oil tanker ran aground in the water channel.
Chinese bid low for Duqm port work

19 December 2007, 17:31 GMT
China Harbour Engineering Company is the low bidder for the project to build a ship repair yard and drydock complex at Duqm Port, 600 kilometres south of the capital Muscat.
Omani water and power contracts awarded

19 December 2007, 17:10 GMT
The Oman Tender Board has approved the award of two contracts for the sultanate’s next independent water and power project.
Iran receives nuclear fuel from Russia

18 December 2007, 14:58 GMT
Iran confirmed it has received the first shipment of enriched uranium from Russia. The nuclear fuel will be used in the Bushehr reactor which is under construction by Russia’s Atomstroiexport.
Spain signs investment agreement with Libya

18 December 2007, 14:31 GMT
Madrid and Tripoli have signed a framework agreement which could result in Spanish firms investing up to $18bn in Libya.
Government to invest in Northern Giza's infrastructure

17 December 2007, 16:06 GMT
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has announced the start of a project to build roads, schools and public parks in the north of Giza governorate, to the west of Cairo.
Masdar to develop pioneering solar technology

17 December 2007, 15:15 GMT
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s alternative energy project, and Japan’s Cosmo Oil Company have signed a contract with the Tokyo Institute of Technology to research and develop a new type of solar energy technology called 'beam down'.
Emirates turns to private power sector

14 December 2007, 17:09 GMT
As the construction boom continues, UAE governments are looking to privateinvestors to help fund the rapid development of power and water capacity.
Dirty water is no joke

14 December 2007, 16:07 GMT
Scaremongering about Dubai’s water supply will not help, but urgent investigation is needed into possible health risks
Dubai struggles to treat sewage

14 December 2007, 15:17 GMT
Water treatment facilities buckle under demands of rapid population growth and development.
Areva to assess nuclear desalination

14 December 2007, 15:09 GMT
French power contractor Areva is likely to be asked to conduct a feasibility study into the use of nuclear power for desalination in Libya, according to a source at the Electricity, Water & Gas Ministry.The study will propose locations for an unspecified number of nuclear-fuelled desalination plants and determine capacities. “The studies will start as soon as possible,” the source says.
Banks line up for New Cairo wastewater treatment plant

14 December 2007, 15:00 GMT
The launch of Egypt’s first major public-private-partnership (PPP) project for the New Cairo wastewater treatment plant has attracted individual banks to submit interest on their own, in the hope of aligning with a dev-eloper at a later stage in the bidding process.
Areva signs $440m Libya contracts

13 December 2007, 17:14 GMT
Areva of France has signed three transmission and distribution contracts in Libya worth Eur300m ($440m).
Dewa tenders power station

13 December 2007, 14:56 GMT
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has invited bids for an engineering, procurement and construction contract for its Hassyan power and desalination station.
Egypt to send nuclear law to IAEA

12 December 2007, 18:22 GMT
Egypt’s Electricity & Energy Minister Hassan Younis says the country’s draft nuclear law will be sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in January.
Bahrain creates electricity and water body

12 December 2007, 17:50 GMT
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa has issued a decree to create a body responsible for power and water in the kingdom.
Emaar signs utilities joint venture

11 December 2007, 15:53 GMT
Emaar Properties, the Dubai-based developer, has signed a joint venture agreement to create a utilities management company with United Utilities, the largest listed utility company in the UK.
Riyadh extends Jeddah desalination deadline for second time

11 December 2007, 14:22 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Saline Water Conversion Corporation has extended the deadline for bids for the upgrade of a desalination plant near Jeddah, the first of six major water contracts in the city, until the end of January.
Algeria awards contracts for Souk Tlata

10 December 2007, 15:49 GMT
A consortium of Singapore’s Hyflux and Malaysia’s Malakoff International signed a package of contracts for the project to build a seawater desalination plant at Souk Tlata with the Algerian Energy Company (AEC) on 9 December.
National Contracting wins $800m Rabigh contract

10 December 2007, 13:50 GMT
National Contracting Company (NCC), a Saudi company, has won the contract to add 960 MW of capacity to the 1,700 MW Rabigh power plant on the Red Sea coast.
Reduce the need for gas

7 December 2007, 18:07 GMT
This week, it emerged that Dubai Electricity & Water Authority is considering partnering with a private developer to build a power and desalination plant in Fujairah.
Degremont awarded Gabal el-Asfar contract

7 December 2007, 17:47 GMT
France’s Degremont has been awarded the Eur 34m ($ 50m) contract to design, build and operate an extension to the Gabl el-Asfar wastewater treatment plant to the east of Cairo. With a capacity of 1.5 million cubic metres a day (cm/d), the plant currently serves 9 million people.
Private power station developers struggle to finish projects

7 December 2007, 17:32 GMT
A surge in activity at independent water and power projects (IWPP) in the region could leave utility firms and developers struggling to complete the projects on schedule.
Al-Nahar takes pipeline contract

7 December 2007, 17:21 GMT
Kuwait’s Central Tenders Committee has approved a bid from the local Al-Nahar Industrial Trading & Contracting Company for the engineering, priocurement and construction contract to build a water pipeline in the country.
Dubai in talks with private developer for Fujairah plant

7 December 2007, 17:14 GMT
Plans to develop an independent water and power project (IWPP) in Fujairah represent a major change in strategy for the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa), marking the first time that it has commissioned a private investor to develop a power and water project.
Riyadh to invite interest in wastewater privatisation

7 December 2007, 15:42 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Water & Electricity Ministry plans to invite expressions of interest for the Riyadh wastewater privatisation in January 2008.
GCC water grid to use local plants

7 December 2007, 14:01 GMT
Increasing construction costs have forced the GCC to consider using its member countries' water plants to provide water to the Gulf, says a source close to the $3.86bn megaproject.
Baghdad awards $940m power plant

6 December 2007, 15:29 GMT
China’s Shanghai Heavy Industry has been awarded a $940m contract for the construction of a power plant in Iraq. The 1,320 MW plant will be located in Kut, in the Wasit province, 150 kilometres south of Baghdad.
Riyadh extends Ras al-Zour power plant deadline

6 December 2007, 15:02 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Water & Electricity Company (WEC) has extended the bid deadline for the planned independent water and power plant (IWPP) at Ras al-Zour WPP by 12 weeks from 10 February to 4 May 2008.
France signs Terga power contract

5 December 2007, 17:02 GMT
France’s Alstom and Algerian state energy company Sonelgaz have signed a $1.98bn contract for the construction of a combined-cycle power ...
Hassyan power project tenders due

5 December 2007, 16:15 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority will issue tenders for the engineering, procurement and construction contract for phase I and II of its planned power and desalination Station P before the end of the year.
Egyptian economy impresses IMF

4 December 2007, 15:59 GMT
The performance of the Egyptian economy in 2006/07 was impressive, according to a report from the IMF praising both the country's bold reforms and prudent management of the economy.
Saudi tourism focus: Special interest groups

3 December 2007, 16:06 GMT
Saudi Arabia hosts five million Muslim pilgrims from all over the world every year. Besides this, the number of foreign visitors to the kingdom is low. And while the country says it is seeking to attract more international tourists, it has also made it clear this will only happen on its terms.
Deadline for offers for Banque du Caire set

3 December 2007, 15:42 GMT
Cairo has given potential buyers until 17 December to submit letters of intent for the purchase of a 67 per cent stake in Banque du Caire.
Sarkozy brings $4bn in deals

3 December 2007, 15:26 GMT
French President Sarkozy is expected to conclude or negotiate deals worth $4bn during a visit to Algeria.
Gecol drives forward power projects ahead of Libyan anniversary

3 December 2007, 15:19 GMT
General Electricity Company of Libya (Gecol) has selected contractors for three power plant projects in the country. Driven by the need to complete the projects in time for the 40th anniversary of the revolution in 2009, it has moved quickly on the schemes.
Abu Dhabi to fill hole in Emirates energy supplies

3 December 2007, 14:31 GMT
Abu Dhabi is to become the primary source of power generation for the UAE, with the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea) agreeing a long-term supply deal with the Federal Electricity & Water Authority (Fewa).
Cairo seeks advisers for nuclear plans

3 December 2007, 12:33 GMT
Egypt is to launch a search for consultants to advise on its plans to build a string of nuclear power plants across the country, in the latest sign of the growing drive for nuclear power in the region.
Tourism: Riyadh opens the doors

30 November 2007, 17:35 GMT
The relaxing of visa restrictions and a series of infrastructure projects aimed at increasing visitor numbers are giving a welcome boost to tourism in the kingdom.
Doosan awarded Kuwait desalination job

29 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
South Korea’s Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction has been awarded the KD88m ($320m) contract to build Kuwait’s first reverse osmosis desalination plant by the Electricity & Water Ministry.
Hanwha takes Ras al-Zour work

29 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
A consortium of South Korea’s Hanwha Engineering & Construction and Saudi Oger has received a letter of intent for the engineering, procurement and construction contract for power and desalination plants at the planned Ras al-Zour fertiliser complex.
Adwea issues request for proposals for Shuweihat 2

28 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority has issued a request for proposals to companies prequalified for the Shuweihat 2 IWPP.
Algeria delays bank privatisation

28 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The government is delaying the privatisation of Credit Populaire d’Algerie after a number bidders expressed concerns about their ability to submit competitive bids due to the credit crunch caused by the sub-prime crisis.
Taqa completes acquisition for Pioneer Canada

28 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Taqa North, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), has completed the acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources Canada.
Egypt signs first deal for Gabal al-Zeit

27 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The New & Renewable Energy Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italgen, a subsidiary of the Italcementi group, for the development of a wind farm in the Gabal al-Zeit area on the Red Sea coast.
Al-Sokhna to be tendered

26 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The tender for the engineering, procurement and construction management contract for the planned steam power plant at Al-Ain Al-Sokhna is expected to be issued before the end of the year.
Siemens takes substation job

26 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Germany’s Siemens has been awarded the contract to build the Siddiq W 300/132-kV substation.
Iran proposes regional water network

25 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Iranian Energy Minister Parviz Fattah has proposed the creation of a regional water network
New Jordanian government sworn in

25 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
King Abdullah on 25 November swore in a new government, the sixth since he took power in 1999. Prime Minister Nader Dahabi replaces Marouf Bakhit who had led the former government since November 2005.
Dewa plans capacity boost

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has laid out its expansion plans for the next decade in a prospectus issued to investors ahead of its bond issue through which it expects to raise $2bn.
Hofa project faces delays

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The deadline for bids on the eastern primary water transmission project has been delayed until 18 November, after prequalified companies requested an extension.
National Water Company nears

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The royal decree approving the establishment of the new National Water Company (NWC) is expected to be issued in the coming weeks, according to the Saudi Water & Electricity Ministry.
Putting Saudi on the tourist map

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Driven by the need to create jobs and diversify its economy, Saudi Arabia is actively encouraging domestic and international tourism. But almost three years into a 20-year tourism masterplan, it still has much to do to attract visitors to the kingdom.
Three bid for Seeb sewer

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Oman Wastewater Services Company has received three bids for the engineering, procurement and construction contract to build a sewage collection system and main sewer at Seeb, near Muscat.
Turbine suppliers struggle with Ras al-Zour schedule

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The project to develop the world's largest independent water and power project, at Ras al-Zour, is likely to face difficulties in securing steam turbines as suppliers struggle to meet global demand.
Saudi Arabia's tourism challenge

23 November 2007, 16:55 GMT
The kingdom has much to offer visitors, but is it doing enough to relax its rigid tourist policies to attract more people?
Globeleq assets sold

23 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
CDC Group, a private equity group owned by the UK government, has sold its power subsidiary Globeleq to a consortium of Malaysia’s Tanjong Energy Holdings and Saudi Arabia-based Aljomaih in a $528m deal.
IMF forecasts lower growth for Algiers

23 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The IMF has predicted less than 5 per cent growth for the Algerian economy this year, lower than the official government forecast of 5.2 per cent. A fall in hydrocarbon production is to blame, according to fund officials.
Egypt reports current account deficit

22 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Economic indicators released by the Central Bank of Egypt have shown a current account deficit of $92.4m for the first quarter of the 2007/2008 fiscal year.
Zain subsidiary expands African network

22 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Celtel, the African subsidiary of Kuwaiti mobile operator Zain, has announced the expansion of its One Network service to six new countries.
Sonelgaz makes two awards

21 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Two consortiums have won contracts to build combined-cycle power plants at Terga and Koudiet Draouch, after Algerian state energy company Sonelgaz opened commercial bids on 20 November.
Bahrain launches prequalification for Addur project

18 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Bahrain’s Finance Ministry is starting the prequalification process for the Addur independent water and power project (IWPP) and is inviting companies to submit expressions of interest by 6 December. A request for proposals will be issued in the coming weeks.
Qatar extends deadline for Ras Laffan cooling deal

18 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Qatar Petroleum is extending the deadline for commercial bids for the common cooling seawater system at Ras Laffan Industrial City.
Algerie Telecom plans call centres

17 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Algerie Telecom is to create 48 call centres across the country by 2008.
Dubai retenders Hassyan power and water station

17 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has retendered the contract for P station at Hassyan after receiving bids from three companies on 30 April which it says were too high.
Social Security Corporation buys Cegco stake

17 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The investment unit of the Social Security Corporation has bought a 9 per cent stake in Jordan’s Central Electricity Generating Company (Cegco).
Is Gamal Mubarak set to be Egypt’s next leader?

16 November 2007, 17:00 GMT
Presidential succession is a sensitive subject in Egypt. Several journalists were arrested and put on trial in August for printing rumours claiming President Hosni Mubarak was seriously ill. The rumours were unfounded, but the underlying debate over who will replace the 79-year-old remains a hot topic. Most Egyptians are resigning themselves to the fact that when the current presidency comes to an end, it will be Gamal Mubarak, ...
Investors begin to move in

16 November 2007, 15:58 GMT
Since the thawing of relations between Tripoli and Washington, foreign direct investment in Libya has increased rapidly, reports Karin Maree
Dubai drives Iran link

15 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Four firms bid to study feasibility of emirate’s plan to import electricity
Jeddah deal faces delay

15 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The Electricity & Water Ministry has delayed the deadline for bids on the Jeddah water network management contract until 5 January. Bids were originally due on 27 November.
Saline Water invites bids for four plants

15 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
State-owned desalination company Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) has issued a tender to build four small-scale multi-effect distillation desalination plants. The deadline for bids is 6 January 2008.
Sector split over Fewa sale

26 October 2007, 13:29 GMT
Plan to sell-off water and electricity assets prompts mixed response
Libyan projects: Working against the clock

19 October 2007, 17:21 GMT
With the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Libyan republic approaching, Tripoli is struggling to complete its project schedule.
Cairo heads downstream as it seeks $20bn investment

12 October 2007, 13:30 GMT
The government is renegotiating gas prices and increasing export opportunities, with plans to attract $20,000 million in foreign investment to its oil and gas sectors over the next five years, Petroleum Minister Sameh Fahmy said in September.
Renewable resources: Forces of nature

10 August 2007, 11:45 GMT
Environmentalists make strong arguments for the use of renewable energy technologies in power generation. Reducing the quantities of fossil fuels burned and cutting carbon emissions are undoubtedly noble goals. But it is not just concern for the environment that is behind the growing number of renewable energy projects in the Middle East and North Africa.
Egypt roads: Paving the way for private investment

13 July 2007, 11:01 GMT
Cairo will be unable to complete its ambitious infrastructure plans without significant investment from the private sector.
Steel: Maturing market for costly metal

22 December 2006, 13:30 GMT
Relief from high steel prices is imminent as the first globally-traded steel futures contract is about to be launched.

MEEDKarin Maree

MEED
Karin Maree