Prices have not been released, but sources close to the project say that the client may issue a further addendum to the tender to add items to the job scope. If that is the case, bidders will be invited to submit revised commercial offers at a later date.

Five international and local contractors are bidding for the estimated $500m design and build contract. They are the local Al-Jaber Energy Services, Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company, Dubai-based Dodsal, Snamprogetti of Italy and Russia's Stroytransgaz (MEED 4:5:08).

The project covers the engineering and installation of a 240-kilometre-long, 48-inch-diameter gas pipeline between Taweelah in Abu Dhabi and Qidfa in Fujairah.

The pipe itself has been procured by the client from Germany's Salzgitter Mannesmann International in a deal worth more than $200m.

The gas, which originates in Qatar, will serve the Fujairah II independent water and power project at Qidfa (MEED 27:4:07).