Saudi Aramco has assured Saudi contractors that they would be given an opportunity to participate in the project to build 11 major stadiums in various parts of the kingdom, a report said.

Saudi Aramco has been authorised by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to establish the new stadiums.

Motaz Al-Mashouq, a senior Aramco executive, was quoted by Arab News  as saying chances are open for all contractors to participate in the project.

The projects implemented last year in the construction sector under the supervision of Saudi Aramco and executed by national contractors amounted to more than SR23 billion ($6.1 billion), he said.

The areas in which national firms can compete for work has been specified and Aramco has invited them to register their companies’ data on the designated website in order to test their competence and potentials, the report said.

About 800 people, including more than 350 Saudi contractors, participated in a meeting held by Saudi Aramco at the Asharqia Chamber to present the requirements of the project.

Al-Mowalad said planning and initial designs will take between 3 and 6 months while the implementation phase will take 18 to 21 months. The construction process for the 11 stadiums will run simultaneously, the report said.

Ibrahim Al-Mowalad, project engineer at Saudi Aramco, confirmed that work offers are available for all contracting companies that can carry out basic projects such as mechanical work, electrical works, sewage networks and civil work.

In addition, there will be offers for contractors who work with low-voltage systems, as also for contractors for fencing and steel structures, interior designs, asphalting works, turfing works and soli testing, infrastructure, temporary facilities, staff housing and security and safety services during the work on the project, he added.

Each of the 11 stadiums will accommodate about 45,000 spectators.

National contractors will have a pivotal role in the construction process, said National Committee for Contractors in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the value of procurement services that were awarded to national companies reached more than SR114 billion ($30.39 billion).