Kuwait’sPublic Works Ministry is looking to acquire and implement a building information modelling (BIM) solution, a move that would see it become one of the few government entities in the region now mandating the use of BIM.

The tender, open to all companies specialising in BIM solutions and registered with Kuwait’s Central Authority for Information Technology (CAIT), closes on 15 September. Interested companies must also submit a valid National Manpower Percentage Compliance Certificate issued by the Social Affairs & Labour Ministry along with their offer.

The BIM solution will be used by the design department of the Public Works Ministry’s construction projects sector.  

BIM solutions enable the building of three-dimensional (3D) virtual prototypes of various components of a project for simulation purposes prior to actual construction.

They facilitate the integration of design information at an early stage, bringing together a multitude of disciplines such as structural, services, landscaping, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), and civils design that have traditionally carried out their work separately.

BIM usage is generally considered to be in the early adoption phase across the Middle East region with only a handful of projects, such as the Abu Dhabi Midfield terminal, Dubai Metro and the 18-kilometre Al-Mashaer and Al-Mugadassah metro in Mecca, having utilised the technology to date.

Government clients are understood to be gradually mandating the use of BIM in new projects, as it improves the overall manageability and quality of schemes while potentially reducing construction costs.