Steady progress is being made on Oman’s mega refinery project in Duqm region with nearly 13 per cent of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work already completed.

Asian Paints, one of the top 10 coatings companies in the world, has unveiled a new brand identity for its operations in Bahrain.

Master developer Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has revealed that its upcoming hotel project, which will mark JW Marriott’s debut in Oman, is set to open in the third quarter of 2019.

Ithmaar Development Company (IDC), the main authority behind the landmark Dilmunia Project, has completed the Phase Three infrastructural works for the $1.6-billion project in Bahrain, according to Mohamed Abdulrahman, manager, ID Capital.

Bahrain Bay’s two major leisure projects, ‘The Park’ and ‘The Wharf’, which will feature seafront promenades and walkways along with other retail and food and beverage (F&B) outlets, are in the final stages of development and will soon be open to the public, said a senior government official.

Saudi Arabia has announced a $1-billion grant to Iraq for boosting the country’s infrastructure through major projects such as the Arar border port between the kingdom and Iraq and the construction of a sports city, reported SPA citing a senior minister.

Jarir Bookstore, one the largest retail stores in the GCC, announced that it will open its first branch in Bahrain. The new branch will anchor a project now under construction by First Bahrain Real Estate Development Company (First Bahrain) in Seef District.

An advisory consultant for Bahrain’s first metro project will be appointed later this year. The Bahrain Metro Network, costing between $1 billion and $2 billion, will cover 109 km, with electric driverless trains capable of carrying 43,000 passengers per hour from more than 20 stations spread across the country.

Penspen, a leading global provider of engineering and project management services to the energy industry, and its project partner Jassim Qabazard Engineering Consultants (JQEC) have been awarded a £12-million ($15.6 million) construction supervision contract for a power stations rehabilitation project in Kuwait.

Sohar Port and Freezone together with RFX Industrial Parks have recently signed a development agreement involving 58 hectares within the Sohar Freezone, a media report said.

Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has started the construction of the first cable-stayed bridge in the country and the conversion of Haloul Roundabout into a two-level interchange on Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor project.

ACI names ME fellowship winner The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has announced the first recipient of the Middle East Fellowship for the 2019-2020 award year. Nancy Kachouh is a first year PhD student and research assistant in the Civil Engineering Department at the United Arab Emirates University.