Bahrain’s Northern Link Road Project: New Tender Announcement
Overview of Tender Issuance
The Ministry of Works (MoW) in Bahrain is moving forward with an important infrastructure initiative by releasing a tender for the appointment of a qualified Transaction Advisor. This role is critical for facilitating the development of the Bahrain Northern Link Road (BNLR) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
Role of the Transaction Advisor
The selected Transaction Advisor will be expected to provide a comprehensive range of advisory services. These will encompass financial, technical, and legal support, including conducting feasibility studies, structuring the project, preparing documentation for bids, and aiding throughout the tender process. This includes evaluation and negotiation tasks, culminating in support up to the financial closing of the project.
Key Dates for Interested Firms
The tender was officially published on November 20, 2025. Interested parties are required to purchase the tender documents by December 18, 2025. The deadline for submissions is set for December 28, 2025, while bids will be opened the following day, December 29, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
Financial Advisor Requirements
Firms aspiring to take on the role of Financial Advisor need to demonstrate a solid track record. This includes serving as the lead advisor on at least three international PPP projects over the past 15 years, with a value of at least USD 250 million. Specific experience must include:
- At least one highway or bridge PPP with toll revenues.
- One highway or bridge PPP project executed within the GCC or MENA region.
Additionally, the firm must show a minimum average annual turnover of USD 100 million over the last three years. The Team Leader should possess at least 15 years of experience in PPP advisory, including leading one major infrastructure project to financial closure.
Technical Advisor Requirements
Technical Advisors must have also led three international PPP projects (minimum USD 250 million) to financial closure within the last 15 years. Key experience requirements include:
- At least one completed toll-revenue highway or bridge PPP.
- One GCC or MENA highway or bridge PPP.
Similarly, a minimum turnover of USD 100 million over the last three years is required. The Team Leader should have a minimum of 15 years in technical advisory roles, with a proven background in leading significant transport PPPs.
Legal Advisor Requirements
Legal Advisors are required to have experience in at least three PPP projects, each worth USD 250 million, completed within the last 15 years. Candidates must highlight experience with:
- At least one toll road or bridge PPP.
- One PPP completed in the GCC or MENA region.
- Experience with road-sector legislative or regulatory reviews.
The minimum turnover for legal advisors is USD 25 million over the past three years. The Team Leader should possess over 15 years of legal advisory experience related to PPPs, particularly focusing on toll roads in the GCC. It is also essential for the legal team to include a bilingual Arabic–English lawyer capable of drafting and negotiating documents, as well as providing on-the-spot translation services with Bahraini entities.
About the Bahrain Northern Link Road (BNLR)
According to a press statement from the MoW dated November 2022, the BNLR is designed as a strategic 29.5 km coastal highway. Its aim is to enhance investment and foster development along Bahrain’s northern coastline. The BNLR is set to connect the Manama North Bridge to Suhaila Island and extend to the King Hamad Causeway. This new road will serve as a parallel east-west corridor to the Sheikh Isa bin Salman Highway, significantly improving access and movement between Khalifa bin Salman Port and Saudi Arabia.
This project is expected to be a significant catalyst for regional economic growth and improved transportation links.
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(Reporting by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon)
