Contractors bidding to build the new Kempinski hotel near Muscat for local developer The Wave have extended the validity of their bid bonds until the end of March 2012.

The project client, a joint venture of UAE-based Majid al-Futtaim (MAF) and the Omani government, has been evaluating bids since they were submitted in January (MEED 7:13:11).

The bidders for the main construction package include:

• Al-Habtoor Leighton (UAE/Australia)
• Al-Turki Enterprises (local)
• Carillion Alawi (local/UK)
• Douglas OHI (local/UAE)
• Laing O’Rourke (UK)
• Multiplex (Australia), Larsen & Toubro (India)
• Murray & Roberts Contractors (Middle East) (South Africa), Bahwan Engineering (local)

The Kempinski will have 350 rooms with suites, as well as business and leisure facilities. The development was expected to open in the first quarter of 2013. The mixed-use Wave project is being developed through a joint venture of UAE-based Majid al-Futtaim (MAF) and the Omani government.

The $3bn Wave scheme, located on the coast at Muscat, covers an area of 2.2 million square metres and includes 4,000 residential properties, four hotels, a 400-berth marina and retail facilities. The development will also include an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman (MEED 15:4:11).