UAE Appoints Contractors for Ambitious 40 km West Link to Qatar

The UAE has officially selected two contracting groups under an early‑contractor‑involvement model for the 40 km “West Link” road, intended to connect Ras Ghumais in Abu Dhabi’s western region to a ferry terminal on Makasib Island, leading on towards Qatar.

Project Overview

• Length and scope: Approximately 40 kilometres of dual‑lane road, commencing near Ras Ghumais and stretching to Makasib Island.

• Purpose: Facilitates direct land‑and‑sea route into Qatar, significantly cutting the existing 125 km detour through Saudi territory.

• Procurement approach: Early contractor involvement (ECI) process underway, requiring selected teams to submit construction methodologies and conceptual design proposals.

Selected Teams

1. Archirodon (Greece) + Western Bainoona Group

   • Joined by Hewson Consulting as the design partner.

2. China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC) + National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC)

   • Supported by Subana Jurong as the design firm.

Risk Analysis

• Geopolitical context: Previous attempts in 2005 stalled over Saudi territorial concerns. Though GCC relations have improved since 2021, maritime delineation remains a sensitive issue.

• Technical complexity: The offshore and coastal environment presents challenges in marine civil engineering, design adaptation and construction sequencing.

• Logistics & integration: Seamless coordination required between land-based highway infrastructure and island ferry terminal to ensure intermodal reliability.

Impact Assessment

Regional Connectivity

• The West Link will unlock a new cross‑border corridor linking the UAE and Qatar, boosting Gulf trade and regional mobility.

Economic Opportunity

• It has the potential to drive jobs in civil engineering, marine works, logistics and marine operations; plus support feeder economies like construction materials and maritime services.

Operational Advantage

• Provides an alternate transit route during GCC traffic surges, supports emergency planning, and reduces dependence on existing regional corridors.

Delivery Partners & Engagement

• Main contractors:

  • Archirodon + Western Bainoona Group – design led by Hewson Consulting

  • CHEC + NMDC – design by Subana Jurong

• Client and Project Manager: Etihad Rail, managing the ECI process and future delivery phases.

• Potential subcontractors: Marine dredging outfits, heavy‑lift logistics teams, road surfacing and utility specialists.

Outlook & Next Steps

With ECI stage underway, design proposals and cost estimates are expected within the next few months. If all goes to plan, contracted works and offshore construction could begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with phased delivery continuing into 2028–29. Success hinges on technical innovation, cross-border agreements, and robust execution in a challenging marine environment.