Saudi-based Bahra Cables has signed a SR250 million ($66.6 million) contact with Saudi Bin Laden Group to supply electrical cables for the Shamiya mega project that is part of a broader government project to develop the areas around Makkah.

Covering an area of 1.5 million sq m, the Shamiya mega project will take about 10 years to complete in phases at a total cost of SR40 billion, said a statement from Bahra.

Public utilities such as schools, fire fighting stations, police stations, clinics, and other public facilities make up 7 per cent of the project zone, the Saudi cable maker added.

Saudi Bin Laden Group has been assigned all the site development and expansion work, beginning with infrastructure upgrading.

Bahra Cables CEO Talal Idriss said the company will supply fire-resistant low and medium voltage cables that emit limited smoke and no halogen when exposed to high sources of heat, e.g. flame.

'We are proud to be chosen for the Shamiya mega project as it confirms the strength of our production policy and use of the latest technologies and high-quality materials,' Idriss said.

'We adopt the latest German techniques that help increase productivity and lowers cost. Also, we have creative ideas to meet the needs of our customers.'

'Bahra Cables holds many accreditation certificates such as Kema, IPH, Saso, LPCB, CSA, and Basec in recognition of the quality of its products. It is also ISO 9001: 2008 certified for its range of medium and high pressure cables up to 132 kV.'

'Moreover, Bahra is the first Saudi cable company to receive  ISO 14001: 2004  and OHSAS certifications,' he added.

Al-Shamiya project is integrated into the structural plan for the development of the central region of Makkah and aims to develop the physical environment commensurate with the nature of the Holy Mosque.

When completed, the Shamia project will accommodate about 250,000 people more and increase capacity to about 400,000 worshipers, it added.-TradeArabia News Service