The release of the tender documents came two weeks after the World Bank approved a $335 million loan which will be used to finance the $44 million scheme as well as the project to build a third terminal at Cairo international airport. On the Cairo project, the bid deadline has been extended by five weeks to 15 June (MEED 2:4:04).

The successful bidder will be responsible for building a new terminal at Sharm airport with a total built-up area of 43,233 square metres, including six gates for international arrivals and departures and one gate for domestic flights. The project, which is expected to be completed in December 2005, will be capable of handling 2,500 passengers an hour.

Designs for the scheme were drawn up by Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners), which is also advising on the estimated $350 million-400 million Cairo terminal project.