Oman’s Ministry of Education is expected to award the main construction contract for its school construction project in various governorates in the first quarter of 2023, according to a source close to the project.

“The bid evaluation is underway, and the main construction contract is expected to be awarded by early March 2023. The tender for the design and construction contract was issued on 5 July 2022 and the technical bid submission was on 14 September with financial bid submission scheduled on 20 October 2022,” the source told Zawya Projects.

The commercial bidders for the contract include Al Adrak Trading and Contracting Co ($126.2 million), Abu Hatim Co ($77 million), Saif Salim Essa Al Harasi and Co ($70 million), Al Tasnim Enterprises ($110 million), Galfar Engineering and Contracting SAOG ($117.3 million), and Al Hajiry Trading ($80 million), officials from four companies confirmed.

The technical bidders list comprised of Al Tasnim Enterprises, Al Kurum Construction Development Co, Dawood Contracting, Galfar Engineering and Contracting, Al Salsabeel Trading and Contracting Establishment, Saif Salim Essa Al Harasi And Co., Al Rawdha World Centre Trading & Contracting, Professionals Trading, Al Hajiry Trading, Abu Hatim, Al Haddad Trading and Contracting, Shapoorji Company and AZ Engineers & Partners, officials from seven companies confirmed.

The scope of work involves the design and construction of 13 schools in various governorates.

The project locations will be revealed once the main contract is awarded, a second source told Zawya Projects. He said the project is slated for completion first quarter 2026, adding that his estimate of the project cost is $140 million.

(Reporting by Senthil Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)