For the phase 1 package, covering the construction of a 22-kilometre section from Jahra, Combined Group submitted a low bid of KD 25.4 million ($87.6 million). Its bid is marginally lower than the second best offer of KD 25.7 million ($88.5 million) submitted by the local United Gulf Construction Company (UGCC). The local HouseofTrade is third on price, at KD 26.5 million ($91.4 million). Nine other prequalified local contractors bid the work.

For the phase 2 package, covering a further 23 kilometres, Shaheen Alghanim is low bidder at KD 24.4 million ($84 million), less than 1 per cent lower than the bid of KD 24.7 million ($85 million) submitted by the local Burhan International Construction Company. The local Boodai Construction Company is third on price, at KD 25.9 million ($89 million). Four other local firms priced the work.

The tender for the third and largest package, a 27-kilometre-long section with two spurs to the Iraqi border and Bubiyan island, is expected to be issued soon. The local Pan Arab Consulting Engineers (PACE)is the design consultant. Construction will take about two years to complete (MEED 12:8:05).