Gulf projects index remains unchanged despite Qatar growth
The projects market in Saudi Arabia is now the second-worst performing market in the Gulf region, ahead of only Iraq, and down 0.4 per cent on the end of 2014.
The bellwether Middle East projects market contracted 0.2 per cent, or $2.4bn, on the Gulf projects index between 18 and 24 September, as the governments spending review begins to take effect.
In numbers
$8bn Budget for Hamad International airport expansion
0.4 per cent Year to date decline in Saudi Arabias projects market
$2.4bn Contraction of Saudi Arabia projects market between 18 and 24 September
Major industrial projects were completed and several utilities schemes postponed, while no new projects were announced.
Year-on-year, it is just 0.5 per cent up on the same period in 2014.
The Gulf Projects Index showed no change overall in the past week, as the Eid al-Adha break caused a lull in projects market activity.
Project updates this week | ||
---|---|---|
Project name | Project status | |
Iran | Tabas coal-fired power plant | On hold |
Iraq | Iraq housing programme | Budget change |
Kuwait | Ibn Sina hospital expansion | Revived |
Qatar | Hamad International expansion: Doha Metro connection | New project |
Saudi Arabia | Shaybah Arabian extra light crude increment project | Complete |
For further information visit www.meedprojects.com/home |
The Qatari projects market recorded the biggest change, expanding by 0.9 per cent, or $2.7bn.
The transport sector drove the growth, thanks to the $8bn expansion at Hamad International airport, the expansion of Hamad Port and other new transport and logistics projects revealed at MEEDs Qatar Transport conference.
Construction and free zone projects also contributed to the rise.
Iraqs project market rebounded slightly, by 0.5 per cent, as the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq begins to stabilise and project spending resumes there. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has publicised plans for three new oil refineries.
Project delays continue in other regions of Iraq.
Upcoming tender deadlines | |||
---|---|---|---|
Client | Contract | Submission date | |
UAE | Dubai Municipality | Jebel Ali sewage treatment plant | 18-Oct |
Kuwait | Kuwait Oil Company | Jurassic gas project development of three oil fields | 27-Oct |
Saudi Arabia | Saudi Electricity Company/Saudi Aramco | Fadhili independent power project | 01-Nov |
Kuwait | Ministry of Electricity & Water | Conversion of Subiya power plant to a combined cycle facility | 03-Nov |
UAE | Roads & Transport Authority | Route 2020 metro extension | 06-Dec |
For further information visit www.meed.com/news/tenders |
Bahrains projects market grew 0.4 per cent, thanks to new gas investment and real estate projects.
Kuwait recorded a 0.3 per cent contraction in its projects market as completions outweigh new project announcements.
Irans projects market expanded by 0.2 per cent as projects abandoned due to US sanctions are gradually revived.
Oman companies are early movers, with news of the Sarooj Pars mall investment, as well as potential joint gas projects.
The UAE recorded a 0.1 per cent contraction in its projects market, as new real estate schemes lag completions. Weakening figures on the Dubai real estate market are yet to cause major cancellations.
You might also like...
McDermott completes financial restructuring exercise
28 March 2024
Region heads for hotel boom
28 March 2024
Lowest bidders emerge for Kuwait housing project
28 March 2024
Redcon wins Red Sea Triple Bay infrastructure deal
28 March 2024
A MEED Subscription...
Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.