Infrastructure & PPPs in UAE and Bahrain - Q3 2026 Update
UAE and BAHRAIN are advancing large-scale renewable energy, transport, water, digital infrastructure, and PPP projects to strengthen energy security, connectivity, and sustainable economic growth. UAE is leading with major investments, including Masdar’s USD 6.1 Bn round-the-clock solar and battery storage project, DP World’s 50-year Fujairah port concession, the USD 8 Bn Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed rail corridor, the USD 4.9 Bn Dubai road and urban infrastructure package, and expanding hyperscale AI data centres. BAHRAIN is accelerating strategic infrastructure through the Hidd Independent Water Project (IWP) desalination PPP, a proposed USD 1 Bn tourism and entertainment PPP, the 25-year Bahrain National Stadium revamp concession, and public-private social housing rollouts across Salman City, aimed at expanding private-sector participation and supporting long-term economic diversification.
Read the key developments in Infrastructure and PPPs in UAE and Bahrain our final insight of the Q3 2026 series.
UAE
MASDAR ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL CLOSE FOR GIGASCALE 24/7 RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT
Masdar has reached financial close for its gigascale renewable energy project, which is backed by a consortium of 13 international and local banks. Masdar’s USD 1 Bn equity investment combined with a USD 5.1 Bn commitment from the banks represents a total capital investment of USD 6.1 Bn.
The project is a round-the-clock (RTC) 5.2 GW solar and 19 GWh battery storge system that will deliver 1 GW of continuous clean power. The RTC project is being developed in Abu Dhabi by Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company.
The financing was provided by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, BNP Paribas, Bank of China, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, KfW IPEX-Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, Societe Generale and Natixis.
ADNOC, XRG & MITSUI SIGN STRATEGIC ENERGY PARTNERSHIP
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and XRG have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to strengthen their long-standing partnership and explore new growth opportunities across the global energy value chain.
The collaboration establishes a framework for the three companies to jointly pursue business opportunities across a broad range of energy sectors, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, sulfur, shipping, chemicals, and international energy investments.
Under the agreement, ADNOC, XRG and Mitsui will evaluate opportunities to expand cooperation in crude oil market development and long-term supply arrangements, LNG marketing and optimization, sulfur procurement and logistics, and shipping solutions for LNG, ammonia, sulfur, and other energy commodities.
The partnership will also explore international investment opportunities through XRG, alongside collaboration on lower-carbon fuels and chemicals, including methanol and potential projects at the TA’ZIZ industrial ecosystem.
DEWA ADVANCES USD 216 MN HASSYAN WATER PIPELINE PROJECT
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has received bids from three contractors for the Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) Water Transmission Pipelines and Associated Works for the Hassyan SWRO Phase 2 Network in the Emirate of Dubai – Project 2. The bids are-:
Tristar Engineering and Construction LLC: AED 792 Mn (Lowest bid, approx. USD 215 Mn)
Green Oasis General Contracting Co. LLC: AED 800 Mn (Approx. USD 217 Mn)
Wade Adams Contracting L.L.C.: AED 989 Mn (Approx. USD 269 Mn)
The contract covers the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) water transmission pipelines and associated infrastructure forming part of the Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Phase 2 Network in Dubai. The project is designed to strengthen the emirate’s potable water transmission system by connecting the upcoming desalination facility to the existing water distribution network.
The scope of work includes the engineering, procurement, installation, testing and commissioning of large-diameter GRE water transmission pipelines together with all associated civil, mechanical, electrical and ancillary works required for the successful completion of the project.
DEWA AWARDS MAJOR DUBAI TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRACTS
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded 21 contracts valued at approx. AED 3 Bn (USD 817 Mn) for the construction of 132kV transmission substations and associated underground transmission cable networks across several key areas of Dubai.
The contracts form part of DEWA’s ongoing investment in strategic electricity transmission infrastructure to meet the emirate’s growing power demand and support residential, commercial, and economic development projects. The AED 3 Bn (USD 817 Mn) contract package represents a major expansion of Dubai’s high-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure and will strengthen the reliability and capacity of the emirate’s power network.
DP WORLD SIGNS 50-YEAR FUJAIRAH PORT CONCESSION
DP World has signed a 50-year concession agreement with the Fujairah Ports Authority to develop and operate two new multipurpose container terminals at Al Rugaylat and Dibba Al Fujairah in the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE.
The project involves the phased development of two major port facilities aimed at expanding Fujairah’s maritime and logistics infrastructure, increasing cargo-handling capacity, and strengthening the emirate’s position as a strategic global maritime and logistics hub.
The Al Rugaylat Container Port is designed to handle up to 2.5 million TEUs of containers annually, in addition to 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and approx. 190,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs) of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo per year.
The Dibba Al Fujairah Port development will add up to 3.6 million tonnes of annual general cargo handling capacity, significantly expanding the emirate’s capabilities in multipurpose cargo and logistics operations.
Once fully operational, the two new terminals are expected to increase DP World’s total container handling capacity in the UAE from approx. 19.4 million TEUs to nearly 22 million TEUs, while also substantially expanding its general cargo and Ro-Ro handling capabilities. The new facilities will be integrated into DP World’s existing UAE logistics network, with connectivity to Jebel Ali Port through the company’s inland logistics network and links to Jafza. The integrated platform is expected to enable more efficient movement of cargo between ports, logistics hubs, and end markets across the UAE and beyond. The development will be implemented in phases, with construction expected to take approx. 24 to 30 months from the commencement of works.
UAE APPROVES USD 4.9 BN DUBAI ROAD AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE
The Executive Council of Dubai approved an AED 18 Bn (USD 4.9 Bn) investment package in July 2026 to accelerate transport infrastructure development and future economic growth across the United Arab Emirates. A major component of this initiative is the First Al Khail Street Development Plan, a large-scale road infrastructure project designed to construct a new strategic transit corridor parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
The transport project features a 15 Km elevated roadway with three lanes in each direction. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q3-2027, with full completion targeted for Q4-2030. The greenfield corridor will serve an estimated 2.6 million residents, providing direct connectivity to major urban and commercial districts, including Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Business Bay, and Meydan. The project will expand total road network capacity by approx. 9,000 vehicles per hour and reduce peak-hour travel times on Sheikh Zayed Road by 51%.
The overarching economic growth strategy also establishes targets to expand public infrastructure footprints and boost sector GDP contributions. The government aims to grow the total value of projects to AED 2.75 Bn (USD 748.8 Mn). By implementing modern construction methods and real-time demographic monitoring systems, the government seeks to optimize urban mobility, ease traffic congestion, and support long-term logistics and trade expansion across key economic hubs in Dubai.
UAE ANNOUNCES HYPERSCALE DATA CENTER DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Electromech Infraprojects signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nova Capital Enterprises, a subsidiary of Al Nasser Holdings, to joint-develop hyperscale data centers and mission-critical digital infrastructure. The commercial partnership focuses on delivering next-generation digital facilities across the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region.
The partnership establishes a collaborative framework where Electromech Infraprojects provides engineering, procurement, and technical capabilities, while Nova Capital Enterprises leverages regional enterprise networks and local asset management expertise. Project execution and site development across selected Abu Dhabi and regional locations are scheduled to commence in Q3-2026, supporting high-density compute requirements for artificial intelligence and sovereign cloud workloads.
This digital infrastructure deployment aligns directly with national strategic economic targets aimed at expanding digital transformation capability across the Middle East. The enterprise initiatives will expand high-tech infrastructure capacity through 2030, reinforcing the region's transition toward an advanced technology and artificial intelligence-driven economic base.
L&T AND MITSUBISHI CONSORTIUM WINS MAJOR APM CONTRACT FOR DUBAI’S AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT
A consortium formed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has secured a design-and-build contract for the Automated People Mover (APM) system at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport. The project falls under L&T's "Large" order category, valued between USD 280 Mn to USD 560 Mn.
Developed by the Dubai Aviation City Corporation through Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, the turnkey project covers Phase 1 of the airport's expansion. The consortium will handle the complete design, construction, supply, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness of the APM infrastructure to ensure efficient transit connections across the complex.
L&T's scope encompasses civil and technical infrastructure, including guideways, traction substations, power distribution, signalling, telecommunications, platform screen doors, and depot equipment. This development aligns with the airport's long-term expansion goal to become the world's largest, targeting an eventual capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of freight annually.
7X AND UAEV TAKE FIRST STEP TOWARD ELECTRIFYING UAE’S LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE
7X and Emarat EV Charging Stations Company PJSC (UAEV) have approved the initial six electric vehicle charging station sites across facilities operated by 7X’s National Network for Logistics (NXN). This initiative marks the launch of a strategic partnership between the two organizations to build nationwide EV charging infrastructure across major logistics hubs. The first phase targets key sites in Dubai, including Al Warqaa, Al Rashidiya, Al Karama, Al Quoz 4, Umm Suqeim, and Al Barsha.
The deployment of these charging stations will enhance last-mile logistics efficiency, support fleet transport operations, and reduce carbon emissions. By establishing access to EV charging at critical points, the initiative ensures seamless mobility for commercial fleets while providing accessible charging options for regular customers. This infrastructure expansion directly advances the UAE's broader goal of transitioning toward a low-emission, sustainable transport ecosystem.
This initial rollout serves as the foundation for a larger, phased expansion of EV charging points across additional 7X facilities nationwide. The project accelerates the integration of national energy infrastructure into the logistics sector, building resilient supply chains designed to meet future commercial demands. Moving forward, both organizations plan to scale up coverage to further enable widespread electric vehicle adoption for businesses and local communities.
UAE LAUNCHES USD 205 MN EMIRATES ROAD EXPANSION PLAN TO CUT CONGESTION
The UAE has launched a AED 750 Mn (USD 205 Mn) expansion project for Emirates Road (E611) to alleviate traffic congestion across the country. Led by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the project will broaden a 25 Km stretch from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain, expanding it from three to five lanes. This upgrade will increase the highway's capacity by 65%, allowing it to handle up to 9,000 vehicles per hour.
The development plan also includes upgrading Interchange No. 7 by constructing six new bridges capable of accommodating 13,200 vehicles per hour. Construction is set to begin in September and is expected to take two years to complete. Once finished, the revamp aims to cut travel times by up to 45% for commuters traveling between Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai.
This infrastructure initiative aligns with the UAE's broader goal to build an integrated road network capable of supporting rapid population and economic growth. Serving as a key 110 Km alternative route to Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road allows drivers to travel toward Abu Dhabi while bypassing central Dubai's traffic.
KHORFAKKAN PORT PLANS CAPACITY EXPANSION TO 10 MILLION CONTAINERS A YEAR
Khorfakkan Port has unveiled expansion plans to double its container handling capacity to 10 million containers per year. The port currently manages up to 5 million containers annually, serving as a key east coast gateway on the Gulf of Oman with direct access to global shipping lanes.
The port features deep-water berths and high-efficiency ship-to-shore cranes designed to support the world’s largest container ships. The planned expansion aims to handle increasing cargo volumes, enhance operational capacity, and reinforce the port’s standing along international maritime routes.
This expansion aligns with a broader effort to integrate maritime and overland logistics infrastructure across the region. The port connects to wider transport networks, trade corridors, and inland hubs in Al Sajaa and Al Dhaid, facilitating trade flows across the UAE, GCC, and global markets.
CONSTRUCTION GETS UNDERWAY ON USD 8 BN UAE HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT
Construction has begun on a 97 Km section of the Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed rail line, forming the initial phase of the United Arab Emirates' broader USD 13 Bn rail network expansion. Managed by state-owned Etihad Rail Mobility, the national initiative aims to create a 900 Km passenger and freight network. Contracts totaling USD 8 Bn were awarded to construct the 150 Km high-speed connection between the two major cities, which is scheduled to open between 2030 and 2031. Operating at speeds up to 320 kph (198 mph), the line will dramatically cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 90 minutes down to 30 minutes.
The project is split into distinct regional scopes executed by international consortia to handle complex civil works and desert engineering conditions. The Abu Dhabi portion is led by National Projects Construction alongside consortium partners including Kalyon Insaat, Trojan Tunnelling, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation, with design work handled by Jacobs Solutions. Meanwhile, the Dubai segment is headed by Larsen & Toubro in partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company, Wade Adams, Egis, Surbana Jurong, and engineering consultants Sener and Ineco.
The ongoing construction phase specifically covers three key line segments and extensive underground infrastructure across Abu Dhabi. Work includes a 23.5 Km route between Al Zahiyah and Yas Island, a 64.2 Km section connecting Yas Island to the Dubai border, and a 9.2 Km branch serving Abu Dhabi Airport. Construction also features 11.2 Km of dual-bore, twin-tube tunnels along with four stations located at Al Zahiyah, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi Airport. The high-speed network represents a landmark infrastructure deployment in the region, coming alongside Etihad Rail's recent launch of conventional passenger service connecting Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
L&T ENERGY HYDROCARBON SECURES USD 1.75 BN EPCIC ORDER FROM ADNOC OFFSHORE
L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore (LTEH Offshore) has secured an ultra-mega contract valued at over INR 15,000 crore (USD 1.75 Bn) from ADNOC Offshore for a major energy infrastructure project in the Middle East. Operating as the lead partner in a consortium arrangement, LTEH Offshore will manage the major portion of the project's scope. The extensive work package covers the engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) of brand-new offshore facilities. Additionally, the mandate includes upgrading the client's existing offshore assets across the region.
A major portion of the fabrication work for this development will be carried out directly at L&T’s specialized fabrication yards. The company plans to leverage its decades of integrated EPCIC expertise, strong in-house engineering capabilities, and dedicated fleet of marine vessels to complete the complex shallow and deep-water installations. This landmark deal reinforces the longstanding strategic partnership between the company and key energy entities in the UAE, while highlights growing market confidence in its capabilities to execute large-scale offshore projects safely and on schedule.
IAI-BACKED ELTEL REACHES FINAL STAGE OF USD 2 BN DUBAI METRO TENDER
Israeli defense firm Eltel, through its subsidiary T&E Technologies, has reached the final stage of a multiyear operation and maintenance tender for Dubai’s new Metro Blue Line. Bidding as part of a consortium alongside UAE’s Al Shafar Group and India’s Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the group is one of three final contenders remaining in the selection process. The outcome of the competitive process by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority is expected toward the end of the year.
The multiyear contract for managing and maintaining the line's infrastructure could be valued at over USD 2 Bn depending on the final terms. Construction of the Blue Line, scheduled to begin operations in 2029, is already under a separate design-and-build deal led by a Turkish-Chinese consortium. Each partner in Eltel's consortium brings specific expertise: DMRC offers operational and passenger service experience, Al Shafar brings local market familiarity, and Eltel handles technological system maintenance.
The bid follows a recent internal corporate restructuring at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Eltel's parent company. IAI recently merged its Elta Systems unit directly into IAI to consolidate operations and improve organizational efficiency. Winning the contract would grant the joint consortium a key long-term operational role in one of the Gulf region's premier transit expansion initiatives.
ABU DHABI - DUBAI HIGH-SPEED CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
Construction has begun on the 150 Km high-speed railway connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, marking the United Arab Emirates’ first high-speed line. Work is currently underway on the 96.9 Km Abu Dhabi section, which includes an 11.2 Km dual-bore tunnel alongside four stations located at Al-Zahiyah, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Multiple international consortia are executing different phases of the route, with infrastructure design managed by engineering consultancies including Jacobs, Egis, Surbana Jurong, Sener, and Ineco. The railway is engineered for maximum design speeds of 350 Km/h and operating speeds up to 320 Km/h, aiming to deliver a 30-minute travel time between Yas Island and Dubai's Al-Jaddaf station upon its scheduled completion in 2031.
The project is part of a broader expansion plan that includes a 10-station Abu Dhabi inner-city network in its second phase, followed by future extensions east to Al Ain and north to Sharjah. Meanwhile, conventional passenger rail operations recently launched across the country, serving tens of thousands of passengers as additional regional station openings roll out through early 2027.
COSMO DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCHES USD 1.63 BN “THE WADI” PROJECT IN ABU DHABI
Cosmo Developments, a joint venture between Flag Holding Group and Reportage Group, has launched THE WADI, an AED 6 Bn (USD 1.63 Bn) mixed-use community on Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi. Spanning approx. 140,700 square meters, the master development will feature 3,950 residential units—ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments—alongside commercial outlets, sports facilities, and an integrated hotel.
Designed around a central landscaped valley inspired by local terrain, the nature-focused project aims to blend contemporary canal-side living with long-term investment value. Residents will have access to a yacht marina, pedestrian and cycling paths, tennis clubs, and wellness amenities, all located within a five-minute drive of Zayed International Airport.
DUBAI APPROVES NEW FOURTH CORRIDOR BETWEEN ABU DHABI AND SHARJAH
Dubai has approved an 80 km, 12-lane highway designated as the New Fourth Corridor, connecting Sharjah’s Al Shanouf Road to Abu Dhabi’s Al Faya Road through Dubai. Alongside existing routes E11, E311, and E611, the project will accommodate 24,000 vehicles per hour in both directions and serve over 3.1 million people. The corridor is designed to divert heavy through traffic away from urban centers while running parallel to the Etihad Rail line near Al Maktoum International Airport.
Valued at AED 3.5 Bn (USD 953 Mn), the 30 km Phase 1 spans between Al Shanouf Road and Dubai–Al Ain Road, cutting travel time by 60% from 35 minutes to 14 minutes. The subsequent 50 km Phase 2 will extend to Al Faya Road, reducing transit times by 52% from 50 minutes to 24 minutes. Across both phases, the infrastructure will incorporate 72 bridges, 17 tunnels, and key road expansions to enhance connectivity to southern growth hubs like Dubai South.
ECI, EULER HERMES SIGN MOU TO STRENGTHEN EXPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s federal export credit agency, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Euler Hermes, manager of Germany’s official Export Credit Guarantee Scheme. The agreement establishes a long-term framework to jointly mitigate risks and back international export and infrastructure projects. It initiates formal discussions toward a comprehensive reinsurance treaty that will cover shared trade credit risks involving German and Emirati suppliers, including potential ventures across third-country markets.
The collaboration follows a 2024 ad-hoc reinsurance partnership for an Iraqi infrastructure project and addresses expanding trade activity across the Gulf region. In 2025, Germany’s export credit guarantees in the region reached roughly EUR 1.4 Bn (USD 1.56 Bn), representing an increase of nearly 100% y-o-y. The new alliance aims to leverage Germany's industrial capabilities alongside the UAE’s trade infrastructure to drive non-oil export growth.
UAE, MONGOLIA SIGN MOU TO STRENGTHEN CLEAN ENERGY COOPERATION
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Energy of Mongolia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and related infrastructure. The agreement focuses on sharing technical expertise, supporting national energy transitions, building specialised workforce capacity, and developing joint clean energy projects to diversify energy generation.
To facilitate implementation, both nations established a joint working group tasked with evaluating project feasibility and monitoring priority initiatives. The partnership also aims to stimulate clean energy development by identifying viable investment opportunities and actively fostering public-private sector collaboration.
BAHRAIN
FLUOR WINS FEED CONTRACT FOR BAHRAIN AROMATICS PROJECT
Fluor Corporation has been selected by Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) to execute the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) for a new aromatic’s facility in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The contract covers FEED services for the proposed facility, which will expand GPIC’s existing petrochemical complex, currently producing ammonia, urea, and methanol.
The new aromatics facility is planned to utilize commercially proven process technologies and is expected to have an annual production capacity of approx. 1.2 million metric tons of paraxylene and 500,000 metric tons of benzene.
Paraxylene and benzene are key petrochemical feedstocks used in the production of a wide range of downstream products, including plastics, polyester fibers, and packaging materials. The project is expected to strengthen Bahrain’s petrochemical manufacturing capabilities and support the further development of its industrial sector by expanding the existing GPIC complex and adding significant aromatics production capacity.
BAHRAIN PROPOSES USD 1 BN ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Bahrain has initiated a proposal for a major leisure and tourism infrastructure development involving a dedicated theme park project designed to operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project aims to establish an entertainment hub in the region featuring hybrid water coasters, interactive multimedia dark rides, and open-air launch coasters. Potential coastal locations identified for the development include sites between Busaiteen and Manama, Manama and Salman Town, Askar and Jaw, and areas near Bilaj Al Jazayer.
The project proposal was initiated by local municipal trustees and received backing from parliamentary financial committees. It is under strategic evaluation by the Sustainable Development Ministry and the Economic Development Board as of July 2026. Targeted for potential development phases starting around H2-2026 into 2027, the infrastructure initiative carries an estimated investment size exceeding USD 1 Bn. The commercial framework relies on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession structure to attract foreign direct investment, international private operator expertise, and specialized entertainment technology.
The strategic importance of this project lies in driving economic diversification, generating commercial activity across regional transport, retail, and hospitality supply chains, and boosting non-oil national revenue in alignment with the long-term infrastructure and economic growth goals of Bahrain.
VOLARIX GLOBAL ANNOUNCES INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PLATFORM
Volarix Global W.L.L. has launched an integrated technology and energy platform in Bahrain to develop and manage next-generation infrastructure systems across critical growth sectors. The initiative focuses on deploying artificial intelligence-ready data centers, advanced energy systems, electric vehicle platforms, EV charging infrastructure, regulated digital banking infrastructure, and energy-backed digital finance solutions.
The initiative operates through a cross-sector project portfolio managed via strategic partnerships across government entities, sovereign institutions, regulatory bodies, and private technology partners. Implementation follows a phased development strategy, where individual projects will be publicly deployed once technical readiness, commercial viability, and regulatory approvals are finalized. The financial valuation, project capital expenditure, debt-equity ratio, and specific Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model structure remain unannounced as projects progress through preliminary development phases.
The strategic importance of this cross-sector platform lies in accelerating digital transformation, strengthening long-term energy security, and expanding regional industrial capacity across Bahrain and the broader Middle East.
ACWA SOLE BIDDER FOR MAJOR BAHRAIN WATER PROJECT
Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has announced that top Saudi utility developer Acwa has emerged as the sole bidder for Hidd Independent Water Project. The key facility will boast a 11,364 cu m per hour capacity, thus contributing substantially to the kingdom’s potable water supply.
A major seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in the kingdom, Hidd IWP will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis.
The key facility will have a Guaranteed Net Contracted Water Capacity (GNCWC) of 11,364 cu m per hour, contributing substantially to Bahrain’s potable water supply and supporting growing residential, commercial, and industrial demand.
The Hidd IWP Project reflects Bahrain’s continued commitment to expanding its desalination capacity through private sector participation and advanced water treatment technologies, ensuring long-term sustainability and reliable water supply for the kingdom.
BAHRAIN APPROVES USD 260 MN KING ABDULLAH BIN ABDULAZIZ MEDICAL CITY PROJECT
The Arabian Gulf University has signed key operational and infrastructure development contracts to complete the USD 260 Mn King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City. It is located near Durrat Al Bahrain in Bahrain. The project is backed by Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
Under a public-private institutional arrangement, private technology and construction contractors—including Kanoo Information Technology and Al-Salam Projects Company—were awarded packages to implement comprehensive digital systems, healthcare software, cybersecurity infrastructure, and non-medical facility furnishings.
Beyond the main healthcare campus, Arabian Gulf University initiated complementary infrastructure developments across its facilities in Al-Zalaq. Naz Al-Khaleej Company will execute a water network upgrade featuring two 4,000 m³ storage tanks spanning 20,000 m², while Kontra will expand the Medical Skills and Simulation Center by adding 24 simulation rooms to reach 44 total units.
The project aims to ensure the integrated operation of the Medical City and raise its operational efficiency in line with the project's development goals, to enhance excellence in education, scientific research and innovation, to improve the quality of university education, and to enhance the university's position as a leading academic and research institution at the level of the GCC countries.
NCST DEVELOPS AI-POWERED TURBINE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR ALBA
The Nasser Centre for Science and Technology (NCST) has partnered with Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) to develop and deploy an AI-powered turbine monitoring system for Power Station 4. Developed by NCST's AI Research and Development Team, the platform continuously evaluates four gas turbines—GT-51, GT-52, GT-61, and GT-62. By analyzing real-time operational data alongside historical records and predictive models, the system enables predictive maintenance, boosts operational efficiency, and enhances asset reliability across the facility.
The system focuses on tracking critical performance parameters, such as compressor pressure and turbine blade cooling efficiency, to detect early signs of compressor fouling or cooling-port blockages. By comparing live operational data against predictive models, it identifies minor deviations early, giving engineering teams data-driven insights to prevent unexpected equipment failures. An automated alert mechanism triggers when parameters exceed safety thresholds, providing technical teams with deviation percentages, actual values, and severity levels for swift intervention.
This technological deployment enhances overall turbine availability and advances predictive maintenance practices at Power Station 4. Beyond improving site operations, the joint initiative reflects the growing adoption of artificial intelligence and digital transformation across Bahrain's industrial landscape. The project demonstrates the potential of local research partnerships in delivering secure, data-driven solutions that support the Kingdom's drive toward an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy.
GFH EMERGES SOLE BIDDER FOR NATIONAL STADIUM REVAMP PROJECT
Bahrain-based GFH Financial Group has emerged as the sole bidder for the development and operation of the iconic Bahrain National Stadium located within Shaikh Isa Sports City in North Riffa. The leading regional financial entity submitted a bid offer of BHD 770,000 (USD 2.02 Mn) for a 6,500-square-meter portion of the venue. Floated by the General Sports Authority through the Government Land Investment Platform, the tender marks a major step forward in modernizing the kingdom's premier sports facility.
Occupying a massive 65,000-square-meter site, the venue serves as the traditional home for Bahrain's national football team. It has long hosted major events including international matches, Gulf Cup fixtures, regional tournaments, national celebrations, and entertainment spectacles. The proposed investment scope will focus strictly on the stadium facility itself, leaving the surrounding Shaikh Isa Sports City sports halls, football courts, parking areas, and auxiliary structures separate.
Representing one of Bahrain’s most significant public-private partnership initiatives in the sports sector, the project offers a 25-year contract to manage, operate, and upgrade the landmark stadium. Open to both Bahraini and GCC investors, the bidding process requires all submitted offers to remain valid for 180 days. Authorities are currently reviewing the proposal to verify that it completely satisfies all necessary technical and financial requirements before officially awarding the contract.
PARKIN AND AMAKIN SIGN MOU FOR SMART PARKING AND MOBILITY IN BAHRAIN
Parkin Company PJSC, Dubai’s primary provider of paid public parking, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bahrain Car Parks Company (Amakin) to advance smart parking and mobility solutions across the region. The partnership establishes a collaborative framework between the UAE and Bahrain, focusing on integrating parking technology and digital mobility services. Beyond technical integration, both organizations aim to leverage their operational capabilities to drive regional business growth across GCC and international markets.
The two entities will evaluate connecting their digital platforms to streamline operations and create a cohesive user experience across borders. Feasibility studies will focus on enabling cross-network mobile parking payments, allowing drivers in both countries to access and pay for spaces seamlessly through existing mobile applications. Additionally, joint mobility data analysis will be conducted to identify regional traffic trends and develop data-driven solutions.
The collaboration focuses on leveraging combined digital innovation and market expertise to simplify parking for local communities. Key improvements aim to deliver faster payment options and provide real-time, accurate space availability to motorists. By merging complementary technologies, the initiative seeks to enhance overall operational efficiency and improve customer convenience in both Dubai and Bahrain.
BAHRAIN’S HOUSING AND URBAN PLANNING MINISTRY ANNOUNCES THREE NEW PROJECTS
Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has launched three new residential projects in Salman City to deliver 137 social housing units. Executed under the Government Land Development Rights Programme, reservations for eligible citizens are now open through the off-plan sales scheme. The initiative is structured to broaden affordable housing supply while aligning unit offerings directly with available national financing schemes.
The developments are being delivered via public-private partnerships across three private developers to ensure timely, market-aligned execution. Delmon Gate will build 69 homes, Bahrain First Real Estate Development will construct 44 units, and a joint venture between Naseej Real Estate Development and Al Moayyed Contracting Group will deliver the remaining 24 units. This collaborative model further expands private sector participation in the Kingdom's national housing programs.
List of key transactions - UAE and Bahrain Q3 2026
Source: YOG INFRA analysis
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