Dualisation of 400km of Adam – Thamrait road earmarked for Oman-Saudi JVs

Dualisation of 400km of Adam – Thamrait road earmarked for Oman-Saudi JVs

MUSCAT: Reflecting the strong uptrend in economic ties between the two friendly countries, the Omani government is tendering out large stretches of the Adam – Haima – Thamrait highway for dualization to partnerships or joint ventures of Omani and Saudi construction contractors. On Sunday, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) announced that bids for the third, fourth and fifth sections of the key carriageway linking the north and south of the Sultanate of Oman may be submitted jointly by Omani and Saudi companies. The three sections aggregate to a total length of around 400 kilometres. The announcement is in line with a pledge by the Ministry, made at a media briefing earlier this year, to ensure the expeditious completion of the dualisation of the Adam – Thamrait highway, presently the only lifeline for overland passenger and freight movement between the north and south of Oman. It is also the preferred route for GCC tourists driving from their respective countries to Salalah for a holiday during the khareef. Tenders for the three sections will be announced in a phased manner, the Ministry said. But to bid for the contracts, Omani and Saudi JVs must also register with the