Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) awarded the rehabilitation of its Ras Abu Jarjur desalination plant in December 2024 on a single bid of BD 64.9 million. That was about 3.2 times the BD 20 million estimate published when the work was tendered in 2023. Thin bidding has continued through 2026.
One valid bid at Hidd
The 60 MIGD Hidd plant was left with one valid bid in July 2026 after GS Inima was disqualified. Acwa Power's levelised water price is BD 0.276/m³, but by 7 November 2026 no preferred bidder had been reported. At the 30 MIGD Sitra plant, only two developers bid. Financial offers from Acwa Power and TAQA were opened on 3 September 2026, with first-year water tariffs of BD 0.4915/m³ and BD 0.54285/m³.
Marine works retendered
The seawater intake and outfall for the 1 MIGD Hawar plant drew two bids before EWA retendered it, with new bids due on 21 October 2026. The lowest bid for the plant's storage tanks, US$1.92 million, had not been awarded as of August 2026.
Networks move on development finance
The BD 30 million Hunainya and South Saar stations, financed through the Islamic Development Bank, have been under construction since June 2025, on a 30-month programme. EWA is paying for the BD 12.3 million East Sitra station itself, and it is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026.
A small field for a large programme
Private plants held 195 of 213.22 MIGD of production capacity in 2022. Acwa Power is now the only valid bidder at Hidd and the lowest at Sitra, which together would add 90 MIGD.
Which Ministry of Works sewage projects are still awaiting award, how would the BHD 245 million reuse concept be financed, and who would hold EWA's contracts if the draft sector law passes? The full report, Water Infrastructure Investment and Project Pipeline in Bahrain, is available for USD 249. For a free overview, see Bahrain Country Snapshot.