Saudi Aramco has appointed the local Nesma & Partners as the main contractor for the $1.5bn Fadhili residential camp in Jubail.

It is understood that Nesma has been awarded two of the three packages, with the final package still being negotiated.

The scope of the work includes the construction of 2,000 villas, infrastructure work and all associated facilities.

The residential compound is being built for Aramco employees and is expected to be completed in 2020.

Aramco is developing the Fadhili gas plant, which will have a capacity of about 2.5 billion cubic feet a day (cf/d), and also a major power and steam plant at the Fadhili site.

MEED reported in July that Aramco and state utility Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) had awarded UK/French Engie the contract to develop the Fadhili independent power project (IPP).