The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) has announced a new tender for developing key infrastructure within the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD), reports The Oman Observer. This project involves building main access roads, flood protection channels, and a surface water drainage system, alongside essential support services.
Funded by the Saudi Fund for Development, the project includes constructing a 14.8-kilometer single-lane road, a 2-kilometer dual-lane road, and establishing two roundabouts on the national N10 highway, along with five roundabouts on the main road within the zone. The development plan covers entrance access to these roundabouts, sidewalks, excavation works, a drainage system, protective measures, parking, traffic signage, and other related infrastructure elements.
Additionally, a 6.3-kilometer wadi channel will be constructed to mitigate flood risks, featuring a 250-meter-wide span for water flow control. The project scope includes excavation for leveling, construction of flood-protection barriers, and culverts crossing the N10 highway.
The tender also encompasses rebuilding portions of the existing national road to accommodate wadi crossings, with additional work for paving, road protection, installation of traffic signals and markings, and safeguarding the gas pipeline as per approved safety standards.
Qualified Omani and Saudi companies are invited to submit their bids through the “Isnad” online platform. The tender documents can be purchased until November 18, 2024, with the final bid submission deadline set for January 2, 2025.
Engineer Ibrahim bin Yusuf bin Said Al Zadjali, Project Manager for EZAD, highlighted that this tender aligns with OPAZ’s goals to develop the zone near the Oman-Saudi border, strengthening trade ties with Saudi Arabia. This project follows the recent award of a consultancy contract for designing and supervising infrastructure development for the first phase, in collaboration with both Omani and Saudi firms.
Spanning 388 square kilometers and located just 20 kilometers from the Empty Quarter border crossing, EZAD is strategically positioned to foster trade, support economic growth, and encourage regional cooperation. OPAZ plans to roll out additional tenders to further expand EZAD’s infrastructure in future phases.
