Petrofac/Galfar's main competitor for the contract was a team of Canada's SNC Lavalinwith the local Al-Hassan Engineering. Both bids were over budget, but the client eventually decided not to change the scope of works.

The contract includes the installation of gas gathering and treatment facilities, a cathodic protection system and associated works at the Al-Kawther field, which contains estimated reserves of about 1 trillion cubic feet.

Technical bids are due by 6 August for the estimated $50 million pipelines package on the project, with seven companies invited to submit offers (MEED 24:6:05).