The Ministry of Public Works & Housing (MPWH) received bids on 12 September from six companies for the first two packages on the Dubai-Fujairah freeway project. The scheme was first tendered in 2003 (MEED 26:8:05).

The local Al-Muhairy General Contracting Companyhas submitted a low bid of AED 223 million ($61 million) for contract 1. Its offer is about 12 per cent lower than the next price of AED 255 million ($69 million) submitted by the local Darwish Engineering. Contract 1 calls for the construction of 23 kilometres of highway at the 45-68-kilometre mark. The first phase is expected to take 36 months to complete. Three other companies priced the phase.

The local/Cypriot J&P National Wheelis the low bidder for the second contract, which will see construction of 22 kilometres of road between the 68-90-kilometre mark. Its offer of AED 587 million ($160 million) is about 12 per cent lower than the next best bid, from the local Saif bin Darwish. One other firm priced the contract, which will take 41 months to complete.

The scope of works includes bridges, underpasses, tunnels and access slip roads to ensure uninterrupted traffic. Construction will also include a new tunnel cutting into the Hajar mountains in the Dhaid vicinity.

A further two packages may be issued for tender at a later stage. The consultant is the local Al-Turath Consultantswith the US' Wilbur Smith & Associates.