Research on MEED's first survey on the Gulf contractor market was carried out in the first three weeks of January 2007. Close to 50 of the Gulf's leading contractors participated, providing information on new orders won in both 2005 and 2006.

Index of stories in this special report:

Gulf contractor survey: A time to deliver

• A time to deliver: Pressure mounts on GCC contractors
  Most of the leading contractors have already demonstrated that the time has come to concentrate on what they have in hand, rather than searching out new commitments.

• Big contracts worth the risk in Qatar
  Despite the obstacles, international and loal contractors netted big contracts in the gas-producing state last year.

• Arabtec Construction pulls ahead of the pack
  The biggest contractor in the federation is poised to grow even bigger in 2007.

• The regional contractor: Managing growth
  After a flood of awards in 2006, Beirut-based ACC is looking forward to its busiest year on record.

• The local contractor: Dubai's home-grown talent
  As projects stack up in Dubai, local contractors have begun to rise to the challenge and take on mega-projects by themselves.

• The international contractor: Flexibility is key
  Through its Dubai-based venture, Dutco Balfour Beatty is one of the most established international contractors in the Gulf.

• Iranian contractors: Built to succeed
  Private Iranian contractors have to be very competitve to win contracts in the Islamic republic.

• Dredging contractors dig for opprotunities in the Gulf
  Dredging contractors in the Gulf are busier than ever. New business will focus on a raft of port projects across the region.

• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors: The hidden matrix
  Underneath the gleaming facades of the Gulf's new buildings, a more significant change is taking place.