The larger of the two packages, estimated to be worth AED 180 million-200 million ($49 million-54 million), will cover paving works for a 3,660-metre-long,

46-metre-wide runway, 25 kilometres of taxiway and three apron areas. Eight companies are prequalified to bid for the 22-month contract.

The second package, covering the buildings, is estimated to cost AED 40 million-60 million ($11 million-16 million) and involves construction of 10 single-storey buildings. Bids for both packages are due to be returned by 8 December.

A local team, made up of Copri Construction Enterprises, Hilalco, Saif Bin Darwish and Bin Hafeez General Contracting & Transport Establishment, is carrying out the earthworks on the project.

The Al-Dhafra project calls for the construction of a new runway for simultaneous take-off and landing, 12 aircraft shelters, installation of satellite security systems and maintenance workshops.

Stanley Consultants, part of the US' Stanley Group, is acting as consultant. The client is the Directorate of Military Works (DMW), part of Abu Dhabi-based General Headquarters.

Under a $6,400 million deal signed in March 2000 with the US' Lockheed Martin Corporation, the UAE Armed Forces will purchase 80 F-16 C/D Block 60 Desert Falcon fighter aircraft (MEED 17:3:00).