have been shortlisted to

bid for the build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract to upgrade and expand Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) near Amman.

The scheme involves the upgrade and operation of

the existing terminal building and the construction of a new terminal building, covering 90,000 square metres. The UK's Fosters & Partners is the design consultant (MEED 6:10:06).

The Transport Ministry plans to open a data room by mid-October and a request

for proposals (RFP) is due to

be issued by the end of October. Technical and commercial

proposals are due to be submitted by early December and an award is expected to be made by early 2007.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the

World Bank's investment

arm, has been appointed

as the government's lead adviser on the deal. The ministry

and the Executive Privatisation Commission (EPC) are

the clients.