The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) has recently announced the launch of a tender for the construction of main roads, protection channels, and surface water drainage systems at the Economic Zone at Dahira (EZAD). This project, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development, aims to enhance the infrastructure of the zone and promote bilateral trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The tender includes the construction of a 14.8-kilometer one-way main road, a 2-kilometer two-way road, roundabouts, entrances, sidewalks, excavation works, drainage systems, protection works, parking facilities, traffic signs, road markings, and more.
In addition to the road construction, the tender also includes the creation of a 6.3 km long and 250-meter-wide channel for the wadi to protect the area from flood risks. This will involve excavation for leveling, construction of protective dams, and box culverts that cross the existing national road. The project also involves the rebuilding of part of the existing national road at the proposed wadi crossing, including pavement, road protection, installation of traffic signals, road markings, and protection of the existing gas pipeline according to the approved plan and necessary approvals.
Experienced Omani and Saudi consortiums are invited to submit their bids for the project through the electronic bidding platform “Isnad”. The deadline for purchasing the tender documents is set for November 18, 2024, while the deadline for bid submission is January 2, 2025. This project is part of OPAZ’s plan to develop the zone near the Oman-Saudi border and is being undertaken in collaboration with the Saudi side to enhance bilateral trade and economic growth between the two countries.
The Economic Zone at Dahira (EZAD) covers an area of 388 square kilometers and is located 20 kilometers from the Empty Quarter border crossing. The creation of the zone is aimed at boosting intra-regional trade, promoting development and economic diversification efforts, and opening new prospects for the Omani and Gulf economies. OPAZ plans to gradually launch additional tender packages for the remaining phases related to the implementation of infrastructure facilities for the Integrated Economic Zone at Dahira (EZAD) in the future.
Overall, the construction of main roads, protection channels, and surface water drainage systems at the Economic Zone at Dahira (EZAD) is a significant infrastructure development project that aims to enhance the zone’s connectivity, safety, and resilience to flood risks. The project, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development, is part of OPAZ’s efforts to develop the zone near the Oman-Saudi border and boost bilateral trade between the two countries. Experienced Omani and Saudi consortiums are invited to participate in the tender process, with deadlines for purchasing tender documents and bid submissions set for November 18, 2024, and January 2, 2025, respectively. The creation of the Economic Zone at Dahira (EZAD) is expected to stimulate trade, promote economic growth, and offer new opportunities for the Omani and Gulf economies, leveraging the region’s competitive advantages and strategic geographical location.
