Seven companies have submitted bids to provide project management consultancy services for the University of Oman project.

In addition to a new university, which will be built alongside the Science & Technology City on a 12-square-kilometre site near Barka, the project will also feature a science park, convention centre, student activity centres, student sports complex, community centre and a market complex.

The following companies submitted technical bids for the tender, which was issued in October and opened on 30 December.

• Al-Hatmy Engineering Consultants (Oman)
• Arab Consulting Engineers (Moharram-Bakhoum) (Egypt)
• Asie Etudes Engineering Consultants (Oman)
• Dar al-Handasah (Lebanon)
• Hill International (USA)
• Hoehler & Partner (Oman)
• KEO International Consultants (local office)

A total of 32 companies had registered their interest in participating in the tender. 

The selected consultant will be required to administer, coordinate and supervise all activities associated with the masterplan, design, procurement, construction and initial operation of the university.

Several local and international firms are also bidding for separate contracts to provide consultancy services in masterplanning consultancy, and academic and administrative strategy development for the project.

The university scheme will be among a raft of developments planned within the Barka Corridor Development Zone, which will also include industrial estates, residential, commercial and recreational developments, and a rapid light rail system.