Binladin takes Tabuk airport upgrade

28 July 2006
Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) has been selected for the contract to upgrade the landside facilities at Tabuk airport, the country's fourth largest. The scheme is one of several airport expansions planned in the kingdom (MEED 30:6:06).
Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) has been selected for the contract to upgrade the landside facilities at Tabuk airport, the country's fourth largest. The scheme is one of several airport expansions planned in the kingdom (MEED 30:6:06).

The estimated SR 220 million ($59 million) contract includes construction of a two-storey terminal building, new arrival and departure lounges, a royal pavilion, a mosque and a clinic. It also calls for the construction of a bridge connecting the new terminal to the existing facility.

The expansion will increase the airport's total built-up area by 12,000 square metres to a total of 46,000 square metres. Bids are also under evaluation for the construction supervision contract, for which the local Markaz al-Arabi is the low bidder. Saudi Consolidated Engineering Company (Khatib & Alami) completed the masterplan and redesign.

Two companies have submitted bids for the construction of a new airport at Madin Saleh. Almabani General Contractors is low bidder at SR 144 million ($38 million). Its bid is about 2.8 per cent lower than the second best offer of SR 147.5 million ($39 million) submitted by Al-Saad General Contracting Company. One other firm, Al-Khodary Sons Company, declined to bid. It is unclear whether the project will now move ahead as local tendering regulations stipulate that at least three companies must participate in tenders.

The client, the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), is planning to turn the existing facility into a major airport enabling tourists to visit the ancient Nabatean city. The project includes construction of a runway capable of handling Boeing 747s, aprons, airfield lighting systems and other airside infrastructure.

An award is also pending for the construction supervision package at Madin Salih, for which Markaz is the low bidder. A local/Pakistani team of National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) and Zuhair Fayez Partnership (ZFP) Consultants is the consultant.

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