Up to seven companies are prequalified to price the estimated AED 100 million ($27 million) contract. They include Jebel Ali-based Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Middle East, Murray & Roberts Contractors (Middle East)of South Africa, Italy's Cimolai,and Tiger Steel and Emirates Building Systems, both local.

To be called the Emirates Engineering Centre (EEC), the estimated AED 1,000 million ($272 million) project is expected to be tendered in a total of about 10 packages - a main contract and nine specialist packages.

The main package contract will call for the construction of: eight hangars for light and heavy maintenance; a power complex; aircraft washing bay; two taxiways; and related facilities. Dubai-based Emirates is expected to announce soon a list of about 12 companies prequalified to bid for the contract.

The other specialist packages cover: the construction of administration buildings; a car park; and the supply and installation of security systems.

The EEC, to be used by Emirates, will be built at a site next to the airport exhibition centre. The first phase of the project is due to be completed by the end of September 2004 and the remaining facilities are targeted to be completed a year later.

The proposed facilities will be designed to serve the wide-bodied AirbusA380 aircraft. France's Aeroports de Paris (AdP)is acting as project manager and overall design and lead consultant. The UK's Fraser Nag & Partnershipis assisting AdP on the project (MEED 6:12:02).

More hangar work is planned at DIA. Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners) is due to complete soon the design works for the proposed royal hangar project. It calls for the demolition of the existing hangar, to make way for the construction of the third concourse on the DIA expansion scheme, and the construction of a new facility. The project will be tendered in three packages: foundation and grading; superstructure; and finishes. The fast-track project is due to be completed by 2006/7. The client is Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation.