Prospective bidders include Germany's Pipeline Engineering (PLE), Canada's Terasen International- previously known as BC Gas International, Algeria's Sonatrachand Mott MacDonald and Penspen International, both of the UK.

The contract, which will take about six months to complete, includes the preparation of a detailed market study, engineering design and the supply and installation of a network analysis system. The successful bidder will also draw up tender documents for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package. A tender is also due for the position of project management consultant (PMC). Up to four companies are understood to have responded to an initial inquiry by the 18 October deadline.

The proposed grid will supply gas to about 120,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers in Abu Dhabi City and surrounding areas, Al-Ain and Ruwais. Total project costs are estimated to be about $300 million.

The client is Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution. Gas for the proposed network will be supplied by Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Company (Gasco).