Bahraini firm wins BFH Phase 2 reclamation job

The Phase 2 reclamation contract for the $1.3 billion Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) has been awarded to Bahrain-based Ahmed Mansoor Al A'ali Co.

Ahmed Janahi, managing director of Ahmed Janahi Architects — the lead consultant for BFH, said the Phase 2 reclamation work covering 178,750 square metres is significantly larger than the first phase, which measured 53,000 square metres.

"This will take place parallel to the current construction of the $250 million Financial Centre, progressing ahead of schedule," he added.

"The Phase 2 reclamation is a crucial step forward in the development of the project, setting the stage for the construction of the next phase of this unique development," said Esam Janahi, chairman of BFH.

He said Ahmed Mansoor Al A'ali Company was selected for the job after a thorough evaluation of a group of shortlisted bidders including five local and international contractors and 10 dredging sub-contractors.

The Phase 2 reclamation contract, valued at around 10 million Bahraini dinars (around $26 million), was signed by Janahi on behalf of BFH and Jalal Ahmed Mansour Al Aali, vice chairman of Ahmed Mansoor Al A'ali Company.

"We are moving into top gear with the Phase 2 reclamation work. The award of the reclamation contract to Ahmed Mansoor Al A'ali Company also signifies our keenness to support the local industry by making them valuable partners in the BFH project," Esam Janahi said.

The BFH chairman also said the construction of the first phase of BFH — the Financial Centre — comprising the Dual Towers, the Financial Mall and the Harbour House, was expected to be completed ahead of schedule due to high demand and investor support.

BFH is currently in the preliminary design and planning process for Phase 3 of the project which is expected to begin by the end of 2004, and the total reclaimed area will be 310,500 square metres.