Other bidders for the three-year contract included the local Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) and Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Company).

The new museum will be built on a 900,000-square-metre plot of land and will have a built-up area of 33,500 square metres. In addition to a central exhibition area, the development will include themed sub-wings, a reception and car parking. The consultant is the local Ghazali Kosseiba. Paris-based UN Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (Unesco) is assisting the ministry on the museum, which will chart Egyptian civilisation through the ages when it opens in July 2008.

The ministry is also the client on the Grand Egyptian Museum project. An appointment of a project manager is awaited on the estimated $350 million scheme (MEED 28:5:04).