logo
Combined Group secures $338m GCC infrastructure contracts

Combined Group secures $338m GCC infrastructure contracts

Trade Arabia03-06-2025
Kuwait-based Combined Group Contracting (CGC), a leading player in the Arab Gulf's contracting sector, has announced that it key subsidiaries have secured contracts worth $338.3 million from across the GCC region.
The first contract worth AED 859.9 million ($234.1 million) for road construction works in UAE was snapped up by its local unit - CGC Company Emirates - from the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure.
As part of the contract, the company will execute the upgrade of Emirates Road from Al Bade'a Intersection to E55 Intersection.
The scope of work involves the construction of new bridges and intersections, as well as the improvement of existing ones.
The entire work will be completed within a two-year period, said the company in a statement.
Also CGC said it had snapped up two contracts from Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) worth KD32 million ($104.2 million).
The first contract is related to external works of Jurassic production facilities in Umm Naqa area which will be completed in 19 months, while the second contract is related to Wafra Joint Operations (WJO) Gas Export Pipeline project.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE Passport Ranks as 8th Most Powerful Globally
UAE Passport Ranks as 8th Most Powerful Globally

Gulf Insider

time15 hours ago

  • Gulf Insider

UAE Passport Ranks as 8th Most Powerful Globally

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position among the world's most powerful passports, climbing to 8th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index – a remarkable rise from 42nd a decade ago that reflects the country's expanding diplomatic reach and visa liberalisation efforts. UAE passport holders can now travel to 185 destinations without a prior visa, making it the highest-ranked Middle Eastern nation and the only major riser to break into the global Top 10 in recent years. The Henley Passport Index, which is compiled from exclusive travel data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), shows an increasing shift in global mobility power towards Asia and the Gulf region, with emerging economies making steady gains as traditional Western powers experience declines. 'The UAE stands out as a model of strategic diplomacy,' said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners. 'Its rise reflects years of consistent efforts to build reciprocal visa agreements.' Singapore – 193 destinations Japan, South Korea – 190 France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Ireland – 189 Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway – 188 Greece, Switzerland, New Zealand – 187 United Kingdom – 186 Malta – 185 United Arab Emirates – 185 Czechia – 184 United States, Canada, Australia, Hungary – 182 Alongside the UAE's gains, Saudi Arabia has added four new visa-free destinations in 2025, increasing its total to 91 and lifting it four places to 54th. China has also significantly expanded its visa openness, now granting visa-free entry to 75 countries, including all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, various South American nations, and some European states — helping boost mobility for GCC citizens. India has climbed eight spots to 77th, while China ranks 60th, both among the fastest risers in recent years. By contrast, the United States has slipped to 10th place, offering visa-free access to 182 destinations, its lowest ranking in two decades. The United Kingdom now ranks 6th, down from first place in 2015. Other countries experiencing declines include Venezuela, which fell 15 places to 45th, and Canada, which dropped four spots. 'Passport power increasingly reflects active diplomacy and global engagement. Citizens from traditional powers like the US and UK are seeking alternative citizenship and residence options amid rising geopolitical uncertainty,' said Steffen. Also read: Singapore Remains Most Powerful Passport as US and UK Decline, UAE and Emerging Economies Rise

Bahrain gains visa-free entry to China in global mobility shift
Bahrain gains visa-free entry to China in global mobility shift

Daily Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Daily Tribune

Bahrain gains visa-free entry to China in global mobility shift

TDT | Manama Bahrain has been added to China's visa-free list in a move that strengthens the Kingdom's global mobility and reflects broader gains by Gulf passports. The announcement was made in the latest Henley Passport Index report, which highlights growing international openness and strategic diplomacy shaping the future of travel. Bahrain joins its GCC neighbours, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, on the list of countries whose citizens can now enter China without a prior visa. The development means that all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries now enjoy visa-free access to the world's second-largest economy. Gulf gains The July 2025 report underscores a broader shift in the global mobility landscape. Asian nations now dominate the top of the index, with Singapore, Japan, and South Korea leading the way. At the same time, Gulf countries are strengthening their global reach through reciprocal visa agreements and growing diplomatic engagement. Bahrain's inclusion in China's visa-free list reflects this rising Gulf momentum. The development comes as part of a broader regional pattern in which countries within the GCC are actively negotiating new mobility corridors and benefiting from deeper international cooperation. Saudi Arabia made the largest gain in visa-free access among GCC countries in 2025, adding four new destinations and rising four places on the index to reach 54th. This progress reflects Riyadh's push to broaden international partnerships and diversify its global footprint. The UAE remains a standout, having climbed 34 positions over the past decade. It moved from 42nd to 8th place, making it the only major riser to break into the index's top 10. This long-term leap is attributed to sustained visa diplomacy and rapid international outreach. Diplomatic dividends The visa waiver is part of China's broader openness strategy, which has expanded visa-free access from fewer than 20 countries five years ago to 75 nations in 2025. Analysts say China's decision to open its borders to GCC countries reflects growing economic and political alignment with the Gulf. While Bahrain's exact ranking was not disclosed in the report, its inclusion in China's visa-free policy marks a strategic milestone for the Kingdom. The expansion of visa-free corridors is increasingly seen as a measure of a nation's diplomatic weight and international relevance. Bahrain's growing access to major markets like China offers new opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. It marks a positive step in the Kingdom's international engagement. Top rankings shift According to the index, Singapore now holds the world's most powerful passport, with visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow in joint second place, each granting access to 190 destinations. A strong European contingent shares third place, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Ireland, all with access to 189 destinations. The UK and US continue their long-term decline. The UK is now ranked sixth with access to 186 countries, while the US has dropped to tenth place with 182 destinations. The report notes that the US is on the verge of exiting the top ten for the first time in the index's 20-year history. India recorded the largest jump over the past six months, rising eight places from 85th to 77th. China, meanwhile, has climbed 34 ranks over the past decade to reach 60th, driven by its growing visa reciprocity and global connectivity strategy. Asia-Pacific surges The Asia-Pacific region continues to power global mobility trends. Alongside Singapore's rise to the top, China's expanding openness and regional partnerships are fuelling higher rankings across the continent. This momentum, combined with the steady climb of Gulf nations, reflects a shift in global mobility where proactive diplomacy and regional cooperation increasingly shape access and influence.

UAE's Air Arabia To Co-Launch Saudi Low-Cost Airline Flying 81 Routes From Dammam Hub
UAE's Air Arabia To Co-Launch Saudi Low-Cost Airline Flying 81 Routes From Dammam Hub

Gulf Insider

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Insider

UAE's Air Arabia To Co-Launch Saudi Low-Cost Airline Flying 81 Routes From Dammam Hub

Saudi Arabia is launching a new national low-cost airline, with operations based out of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, as part of a broader push to transform the Kingdom into a regional aviation hub. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that a consortium led by UAE-based Air Arabia, Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Holding, has won the bid to operate the new carrier. The airline will begin operations with a fleet of 45 aircraft, covering 24 domestic and 57 international destinations, and aims to serve 10 million passengers annually. This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia's National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the Kingdom's competitiveness in transport, logistics, and tourism. According to GACA, the new low-cost airline will enhance air connectivity to and from the Eastern Province, improve operational efficiency, and boost seat availability at King Fahd International Airport. The airline is also expected to create more than 2,400 direct jobs and raise service quality across Saudi Arabia's growing aviation market. Air Arabia's inclusion in the consortium reflects its expanding regional footprint and aligns with its strategy of entering high-growth partnerships to serve underserved routes. This latest venture positions the Dammam airport as a growing hub for affordable air travel and supports the Kingdom's goal of moving 100 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store