Doha has received bids for the contract to build the estimated QR1bn ($274m) new Qatar Central Library.

State-owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) received bids from at least nine contractors on 1 August for the project. QP is managing the project on behalf of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Social Development (QF).

The library will be located in Qatar Foundation’s Education City, which is located on the outskirts of Doha.

At least nine firms have submitted bids for the project. They are:

• Aktor (Greece)
• Carillion (UK)
• Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) (Athens-based)
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction (South Korea)
• Midmac Contracting Company (local)
• Multiplex (Australia)
• Strabag (Austria)
• Taisei Corporation (Japan)
• Yuksel Insaat (Turkey)

The 24-month project involves the construction of the library, excavation, piling, superstructure and exterior and interior work. This will include all of the mechanical electrical and plumbing work and the provision of furniture.

The library is one of three public building contracts that Doha is currently tendering. QP is managing all three projects.

QP has set a revised submission date of 17 August for the contract to build the Faculty of Islamic Studies.

The Faculty of Islamic Studies will located in the southern zone of Education City. It will include classrooms, auditorium, exhibition space, faculty offices, a mosque and an underground car park.

The project is expected to cover an area of 55,980 square metres. The project is scheduled for completion by August 2012.

A bid deadline of 5 September has been set for the contract to build Qatar Foundation’s estimated QR1bn new headquarters. The work will involve construction of a 12-storey headquarters building and a three-four-storey study centre.

The winning contractor will also be in charge of carrying out landscaping works, earthworks, substructure work and provision of utilities works. The utilities works will include the installation of water services, drainage, air conditioning systems and security systems.