Four line up for major Dubai airport package

20 June 2003
Four groups of international and local companies submitted bids on 17 June for the largest package to date on the Dubai International Airport (DIA) expansion project (MEED 28:3:03; 24:1:03).

Bidders for the AX 058 package are understood to include: the South African/local joint venture of Murray & Roberts Contractors (Middle East), with the local Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises; the local/UK Dutco Balfour Beatty with Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC); the local/UK Al-Naboodah Laing; and a four-strong group made up of the local/Belgian Bel Hasa Six Construct, Interbeton of the Netherlands, the local Arabian Construction Company (ACC)and Arab Technical Construction Company (Arabtec), also local.

The estimated $350 million-400 million package covers the reinforced concrete structures for the second concourse, third terminal and car parking buildings. The facilities will be constructed on three levels over a total area of 87,000 square metres. The lowest will be to a depth of 20 metres below ground level. About 2 million cubic metres of concrete will be used to build the structures, which will take about two years to complete.

The estimated $4,200 million DIA expansion will be carried out in seven major packages. The local Al-Naboodah Contractingis carrying out the first major package under an estimated AED 500 million ($136 million) contract awarded in mid 2002. Known as AX 056, the contract involves earthworks and piling for terminal 3, concourse 2 and a car park (MEED 5:7:02).

A third major package - internal finishes, structural steel and electromechanical works for terminal 3 - is due to be issued for bid in the third quarter. The contract is estimated to be worth $200 million-250 million.

Companies have also been invited to prequalify by 29 June for the central utility and power supply package. It calls for the construction of four new central utility complexes (CUCs) to serve terminal 3, concourses 2 and 3, the new cargo terminal and Dubai Flower Centre. The chilled water plants will consist of water-cooled chillers, cooling towers, district chilled water distribution piping and related services of total capacity of 100,000 tonnes of refrigeration. The power system will consist of 132-kV substations and cabling works.

The consultants on the expansion programme are Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners)and France's Aeroports de Paris. The client is Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation.

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