The National Centre for Privatization and PPP (NCP) has announced plans to tender four significant highway projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative is part of a broader pipeline of 200 privatization and PPP projects spanning 17 sectors aimed at enhancing infrastructure across the region.
These highway projects will be procured by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, although specific launch dates for the tenders have yet to be disclosed. The four key projects are as follows:
Table of Contents
1. Jeddah – Makkah Highway
The Jeddah-Makkah Road stretches 64 kilometers and includes seven interchanges and four camel crossings. The project is divided into three phases, totaling 51 kilometers of construction, with Phase 4 still awaiting commencement. Notably, the NCP has indicated that the government will cover the costs associated with Phases 1 to 3.
In addition to the highway construction, the Ministry plans to engage in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services, along with the development and management of Motorway Service Areas (MSA) along the Jeddah-Makkah Road. Details regarding the contract duration and the specific segments of the road to be covered remain unspecified.
2. Yanbu – Jubail Highway
This expansive 447-kilometer highway connects Yanbu and Jubail, featuring 17 intersections, 14 wildlife crossings, four bridges, one tunnel, and 18 service areas. Construction on the first 39 kilometers toward Al Zulfi has already been completed.
Similar to the Jeddah-Makkah project, the NCP has not provided specifics regarding the contract style, duration, or the precise length of the highway involved in the upcoming PPP tender.
3. Asir – Jazan Highway
Linking Asir and Jizan, this highway will extend 136 kilometers and include six intersections, 18 kilometers of bridges, and nine kilometers of tunnels. The route commences in Asir and continues through Jizan to the Red Sea.
To facilitate this project, a 30-year Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) contract will be sought to secure funding and management.
4. Jeddah – Jazan Highway
Spanning 570 kilometers, this highway will connect Jeddah and Jazan, featuring 43 intersections, 11 wildlife crossings, and 29 bridges. The project will involve upgrading the existing 280 kilometers of dual lanes to a three-lane configuration.
The NCP has confirmed that this project will also operate under a 30-year contract, although the specific type of PPP contract has yet to be defined.
These highway projects are expected to play a crucial role in improving transportation infrastructure and facilitating economic growth in the region. Further details on the tender process and timelines will be anticipated as the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services progresses with the initiatives.
