Contractors preparing to bid for the infrastructure contract for the Shamkha South development in Abu Dhabi say the work could be worth up to AED9bn ($2.4bn), making it one of the largest general infrastructure contracts ever tendered in the Gulf.

Contractors have been invited to bid by 10 February for the contract, which involves building 80 kilometres of main roads, 270 kilometres of minor roads, and other infrastructure such as street lighting, stormwater drainage, sewage systems and electrical distribution networks.

“The project is a lot bigger that we first thought,” says one Abu Dhabi-based contractor planning to bid. He confirmed expectations that it could be worth as much as AED9bn.

Shamkha South is located on the Abu Dhabi mainland, 50 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi Island and involves the development of 40 square kilometres of land that could eventually house up to 200,000 residents.

The design for the development features parks, shops, mosques, hospitals, health clubs and entertainment areas. It also features a green belt running through the development, connecting the parks with the city centre.

The masterplan consultant is the Abu Dhabi office of KEO International Consultants.

The Abu Dhabi Centre for Housing & Service Facilities Developments is the client (MEED 03:01:09).