MANAMA, Bahrain — Bahrain awarded 1,688 tenders throughout 2020 worth a total of $4.1 billion (BHD 1.6 billion) compared to a total of $4.8 billion (BHD 1.8 billion) in 2019, according to new data released by Bahrain’s Tender Board — the country’s government procurement regulator.

In terms of value of contracts, the oil sector took on 228 tenders worth $1.6 billion (BHD 598.1 million) followed by the construction and engineering industry, winning 317 tenders worth a combined $875.7 million (BHD 330.1 million) — clearly underscoring the Government’s continued commitment to its extensive pipeline of major infrastructure projects, currently valued at some $32 billion.

The construction and engineering sector was followed by the aviation sector, the materials and equipment sector, and finally the services sector, which saw a total of $638.2 million (BHD 240.6 million), $606.1 million (BHD 228.5 million) and $424.8 million (BHD 160.1 million) worth of tenders awarded respectively. While bringing up the rear in terms of value of contracts, the services sector was awarded the highest number of contracts, at 599.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) saw a sizable increase over last year — in terms of both number of tenders issued and value of tenders. In 2019 the MoH awarded 93 tenders, valued at some $123.8 million (BHD 46.7 million). In 2020 the MoH awarded 137 tenders valued at $298.1 million (BHD 112.4 million) — a near threefold increase in value.

This surge in spending is attributed to the Bahrain’s robust and rapid COVID-19 response in many fronts, including a track and trace app, extensive testing, vaccinations, hospital robots, car park conversions to hospitals and more.

The positive figures follow closely on from the release of equally encouraging data highlights a record number of tenders awarded to the SME sector during 2020 worth a total of $145.4 million (BHD 54.96 million), indicative of government support for a sector that it regards as the engine for post-COVID economic recovery.

Commenting on the new figures, Tender Board Chairman Sheikh Nayef Bin Khalid Al Khalifa said: “2020 has proven one of the most challenging and unpredictable years globally for businesses in all sectors across the board. Despite these less than friendly conditions, throughout the year, Bahrain has awarded an impressive 1,688 contracts valued at well over $4 billion.

“This dynamic performance is indicative of Bahrain’s commitment and ability to remain open for business even in times of crisis. The Kingdom’s extensive, multi-billion dollar pipeline of infrastructure projects is a case in point, and has driven the consistently high value of contracts in the our thriving construction and engineering sector throughout the year.”

As for the purchasing authorities, Tatweer Petroleum topped the list for highest total value of tenders issued, worth a combined $1.5 billion (BHD 555.5 million). Gulf Air followed close behind, awarding some $635 million (BHD 239.4 million) of tenders, followed by the Electricity & Water Authority; the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning; and the Ministry of Health, which awarded a combined $509.2 million (BHD 192 million), $329.4 million (BHD 124.2 million) and $298.1 million (BHD 112.4 million) of contracts respectively. — SG