Saudi Arabia is expanding four highways linking Makkah and Jeddah, which will benefit 35 million people, a report said.

State oil giant Saudi Aramco is considering whether to build a new industrial city in the south of the Al Ahsa district in the Eastern Province, as authorities seek to expand the kingdom’s industrial base, said a Reuters report quoting industry sources.

US-based Hill International, a leader in managing construction risk, has received two contracts to provide programme management consultancy support services in connection with the Living Communities Programme in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has approved contracts worth SR1.06 billion ($282.27 million) for 168 municipal projects in 14 governorates, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Grid components supplier ABB said it booked a $150-million order in Saudi Arabia to expand five substations that will help accommodate expanded electricity generation capacity. ABB said the order from the Saudi Electricity Company, which includes gas-insulated switchgear and automation equipment, was booked in the second quarter of 2015.

ACES wins Jeddah Metro deal The Jeddah branch of the Arab Center for Engineering Studies (ACES) has been awarded the geotechnical investigation works for the preliminary engineering design phase for Jeddah Metro.

Metro Jeddah Company (MJC) has invited initial expressions of interest (EOI) for the civil works contract of the metro network in Jeddah. It has also invited expression of interest and pre-qualification to design, build, procure, supply, operate and maintain a light rail transit (LRT) and corniche tramway civil works and rolling stock.

A new model city comprising residential, economic and tourism complexes is under review by the Eastern Province municipality in Saudi Arabia, said a report.