AD ENTEL – a strategic shift in the Middle East market
NEW COMPANY AND NEW PROJECTS IN BAHRAIN
In the Middle East market, Entel achieved a significant strategic shift this year. The establishment of the company in Bahrain, and the conclusion of several contracts with a significant Investor – Electricity & Water Authority (EWA), confirmed the reputation of a reliable international partner in the field of energy and infrastructure engineering.
After the formal opening of the company in Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the beginning of January 2025, direct communication with the client was established, which created the conditions for the realization of new business. In order to ensure effective local support, the establishment of the company was accompanied by the provision of office space for its work, as well as the provision of accommodation facilities for field teams and engineers whose presence on the project would not be continuous. Hiring a local workforce is a mandatory requirement of local regulations, but it has also strengthened Entel’s operational team.
Initial activities on the Bahrain market began as early as 2024, when a contract worth 2.6 million dollars was signed with EWA in July. The project includes the construction of nine new 66kV substations, along with associated 66kV power cables, telecom and integration into the existing SCADA network. Entel’s scope of work includes design, supervision during production, construction and commissioning of 66kV gas insulated busbars (GIS), 66/11kV transformers, 11kV busbars, control and protection equipment, construction and other related works.
It was originally planned that nine new substations would be launched successively, in batches of three, in the period from 2027. to 2029. However, due to urgency, EWA has recently requested that the two substations be commissioned by April 2026, which is a major challenge.
In the first half of 2025, Entel contracted several more significant projects.
In February 2025, the extension of services related to the connection of the new 90MW solar power plant with the EWA network was signed, as well as services for the construction of two new substations (66kV) for the needs of the industrial zone. The total value of these additional services is about 760 thousand USD.
In April 2025, a new contract was obtained for the design and supervision of the construction of a 400kV substation, with the associated 220kV and 22kV subsystems. The purpose of the substation is to connect the new planned power plant to Bahrain’s national grid, thereby ensuring energy stability and improving the country’s infrastructure. The first phase of commissioning is planned for December 2027, while the completion of the entire system is planned for February 2028. The value of this project is about 4 million USD.
Entel’s work on these contracts includes preparation of technical and engineering studies, definition of detailed project parameters, collection of permits for cable routes, preparation of technical specifications and project documentation, and preparation of tender documentation necessary for the realization of the project. Entel will also be responsible for contractor qualification, tender management, bid evaluation, review of project documentation prepared by contractors, contract management and supervision during the project execution phase.
The newly contracted business in Bahrain is the result of strategic planning, consistent realization of goals and trust that Entel has been building in the international market for many years. The value and complexity of these jobs confirm our capacities and open the door for further regional expansion.
By establishing a stable base in Bahrain, Entel continues to expand its business, hire experts and confirm its position as one of the regional leaders in the field of energy and infrastructure solutions. Additionally, the establishment of the company in Bahrain is expected to simplify and help the realization of our plans in the Saudi Arabian market, in which Entel has significant ambitions considering the huge investments made in this Gulf kingdom.