07/10/2015 05:26 AST
There was a significant upswing in the value of awarded contracts in Saudi Arabia during the second quarter of 2015 as it reached SR82.8 billion. It marked a strong rebound from the previous quarter. Anchor sectors took hold of the majority of spending, as the roads and residential real estate accounted for approximately 57 percent of the total value (SR47.5 billion), according to NCB Construction Contracts Index Second Quarter 2015 released on Tuesday.
The report said power sector came third, with 14 percent of the value of awarded contracts during Q2, 2015. Beyond the roads and residential real estate sectors, the value of awarded contracts were varying across the remaining sectors during Q2, 2015. The value of awarded contracts in April jumped to SR51.3 billion, which had the highest monthly value of awarded contracts during Q2, 2015.
Despite falling oil prices, and accordingly oil revenues, the construction awarded contracts in the first half 2015 showed a higher pace than 2014, but likely to weaken in 2016. Furthermore, with the prospect of recording twin deficits in 2015, government’s large foreign reserves held by SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency) should provide enough cushion to sustain an elevated level of spending during 2015 and beyond.
The NCB report said value of awarded contracts during H1, 2015 surpassed that of H1,2014 by 13 percent, reaching SR140 billion. The SR82.8 billion in awarded contracts during Q2, 2015 reflects the continued strength of the construction industry and also shows that the Kingdom can afford to keep spending close to its recent past levels, even at lower oil prices. Following the pattern of 2014, the physical and social infrastructure related projects continued their growth in Q2, 2015, with fewer of industrial mega projects.
The Construction Contracts Index (CCI) increased to record 341.98 points by the end of the second quarter of 2015, from 290.78 points recorded at the end of the first quarter of 2015, which was at the same level recorded in Q3, 2014. The CCI gradually rose from 305.11 in April to 325.76 and 341.98 points in May and June, respectively.
The concentration of contracts within the roads sector in the Makkah region, which had 42 percent share, witnessed a sizeable road project that was awarded by Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction, amounting to SR23.3 billon. Riyadh region captured 18 percent share of the total value of awarded contracts during Q2,2015. Riyadh also was the recipient of three roads contracts that were awarded by Arriyadh Development Authority.
The Jazan region came third (9 percent), as this share was attributed to the SR7.1 billion IGCC power plant contract that was awarded by Saudi Aramco.
The value of awarded contracts showed an increase in April, reaching SR51.3 billion. The roads, power, residential real estate, and industrial sectors were the largest contributors. Seven major contracts were awarded in the roads sector. The largest contract amounting to SR23.3 billion was awarded by Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction to Dallah Albaraka Group.
The second contract, which worth SR6.6 billion, was also awarded by Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction to Nesma & partners.
The third contract was awarded by Ministry of Transportation to Bin Tamy Saudi Pan in the amount of SR225 million for Taif, Al Baha and Abha road expansion, and implementation of service roads on both sides: Makkah Part (20km) and Taif Ring Road phase 4 (8km). The project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2018.
Within the power sector, three major contracts were awarded. The largest contract in the amount of SR7.1 billion was awarded by Saudi Aramco to JV of Air products & Acwa Holding to build multiple power plants. The current project deals with the construction of an air separation unit of the new IGCC power plant at Jazan refinery, which is the worl
Arab News
Please wait...
