What Cebarco does

Cebarco Bahrain WLL is a Grade AA-certified construction and civil engineering contractor headquartered in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, and founded in 1992 by Khalid Abdulrahim as the flagship entity of the KAR Group conglomerate. The company delivers large-scale building construction and heavy infrastructure projects across Bahrain, the UAE, and Cyprus, serving three primary customer segments: Bahraini government ministries and municipalities, real estate developers (Eagle Hills Diyar, Ithmaar Development, Bilaj Al Jazayer, MAF Investments), and commercial or hospitality property owners. Cebarco's core technical capabilities span civil engineering, building construction, and infrastructure (data centres, roads, bridges, substations, sewage treatment plants), with specialized expertise in motorsport facility construction — having built the Bahrain International Circuit in 2004 (completed in 483 days, 6 weeks ahead of schedule) and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in 2009.

Cebarco's project portfolio includes landmark commercial and cultural assets such as the City Centre Bahrain ($340M), Isa Cultural Centre, the New Exhibition & Convention Centre ($221.7M Exhibition World Bahrain, awarded World's Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023), Dilmunia Grand Canal and Marina (1.7km seawater canal), and the Marassi Galleria Mall and Vida Hotel complex (delivered via a 2018 joint venture with Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast). Active projects include the Tubli Sewage Treatment Plant Extension Phase 4 ($90M, doubling capacity to 400,000 cubic metres per day), Tivoli & Avani Hotels & Residences ($112.2M), and the Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach Boulevard. The company leverages KAR Group subsidiaries for integrated delivery: KARTEC (MEP), KARTC (cranes), KAR Facade (aluminum/glazing), and others.

Cebarco's revenue model is project-based, generated through fixed-price construction contracts, design-and-build arrangements, and joint-venture bidding on tenders. Pricing is neither standardized nor publicly disclosed; contract values range from single-digit millions for fit-outs to multi-hundred-million-dollar mega-projects. The go-to-market motion is sales-led and relationship-driven, anchored on long-term client relationships, motorsport construction credentials, and the highest contractor classification in Bahrain. Ownership is closely held by the Abdulrahim family with no external institutional investors, and leadership is led by Chairman Khalid Abdulrahim and CEO Peter Sellers.

Name

Cebarco

Legal name

Cebarco Bahrain WLL

Website

https://cebarco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Cebarco Bahrain WLL is a Grade AA-certified construction and civil engineering contractor founded in 1992, serving Bahraini government ministries, regional real estate developers, and commercial clients across Bahrain, the UAE, and Cyprus with landmark building, infrastructure, and motorsport facility projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Manama

HQ country

Bahrain

HQ region

Middle East

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Construction Contracts: Cebarco generates revenue primarily through fixed-price construction contracts for building, infrastructure, and civil engineering projects. Projects range from small fit-out works to billion-dollar motorsport facilities and mixed-use developments. Revenue is project-based and one-time in nature for each contract, though the company maintains ongoing relationships with clients for multiple project phases.
2. Joint Venture Construction Contracts: Revenue from joint venture arrangements with partners like Shapoorji Pallonji for large-scale projects such as Marassi Galleria and Vida Hotel valued at $300 million+
3. Design and Build Contracts: Design-build arrangements where company provides both design and construction services, including EWA System Control Centre and various infrastructure projects

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cebarco is a Grade AA certified construction and civil engineering contractor delivering building construction (hotels, commercial, retail, sports facilities, residential, military) and heavy infrastructure (roads, bridges, substations, sewage treatment plants, data centres). The company is particularly distinguished for motorsport venue construction, having built Formula 1 circuits including Bahrain International Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit, and operates as the flagship construction arm of the KAR Group across Bahrain, UAE, and Cyprus.

Product overview

Cebarco is a Grade AA construction and civil engineering contractor (certified by Bahrain Ministry of Work) that offers a comprehensive portfolio of construction services. The company operates as a single unified service offering rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Core services span building construction (hotels, commercial, retail, sports facilities, residential) and heavy infrastructure (data centres, roads, bridges, substations, sewage treatment plants). The company has particular expertise in motorsports venue construction, having built the Bahrain International Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit. Key product categories include completed landmark projects (Bahrain International Circuit, New Exhibition & Convention Centre, City Centre Bahrain, Isa Cultural Centre), current projects (Tubli Sewage Treatment Plant Extension, Tivoli & Avani Hotels, Bilaj Al Jazayer Infrastructure), and specialty motorsports construction services. Cebarco forms the focal point of the KAR Group and maintains operations in Bahrain, Cyprus, and the UAE.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Construction & Civil Engineering Services Core general contracting service covering hotel, commercial, retail, sports facility, military, and residential building construction, plus heavy infrastructure including data centres, roads, bridges, substations, and sewage treatment plants. Delivered under Grade AA contractor certification for government ministries, large developers, and corporate clients across Bahrain, UAE, and Cyprus.
• Motorsport Venue Construction Specialized construction of Formula 1 circuits, karting circuits, and associated grandstand, pit, VIP, and lighting infrastructure, using proprietary high-grip asphalt mixes (graywacke aggregates and Calcinated Bauxite), large-scale lighting systems, and laser-controlled resin injection for track repair. Track record includes Bahrain International Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit.
• Bahrain International Circuit 5.412 km Formula 1 racing circuit in Bahrain completed in 2004, built by Cebarco in 16 months (6 weeks ahead of schedule). Features specialized asphalt mix with graywacke aggregates and Calcinated Bauxite for high-grip surfaces, with capacity for 50,000 spectators. Built for the Ministry of Works & Housing at a contract value of $150 million.
• Yas Marina Circuit 5.281 km Formula 1 circuit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, featuring five permanent grandstands, pit building, VIP tower, and 60,000-seat capacity. Built by Cebarco with over 14,000 workers and 35 million man-hours and delivered before deadline for developer Aldar Properties PJSC.
• New Exhibition & Convention Centre (Exhibition World Bahrain) Middle East's newest and largest exhibition and convention centre, built on 309,000 sqm of land with a 149,000 sqm main building featuring 10 exhibition halls totalling 95,000 sqm, conference facilities, and a 4,500 sqm grand hall. Completed for the Ministry of Works & Housing with 12 million manhours without Lost Time Incident and awarded World's Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023.
• City Centre Bahrain 150,000 sqm shopping complex in Manama built by Cebarco for MAF Investments at $340 million, featuring over 360 stores, a 16,000 sqm Carrefour Hypermarket, 20-screen cinema complex, two hotels with 550 rooms, family entertainment centre, and indoor water park.
• Tubli Sewage Treatment Plant Extension - Phase 4 Major wastewater treatment plant expansion that doubles capacity from 200,000 to 400,000 cubic metres per day, including treatment units for sand filters, ozone gas purification, chlorine purification, balance basin, and sludge incineration. Deep tunnel drilling at 25m depth using GRP pipes. $90 million contract for the WTE-Tecton-Azmeel JV.
• Tivoli & Avani Hotels & Residences High-end mixed-use development comprising 206 units of 5-star hotel rooms and suites, and 147 units of 4-star apartments with fit-outs, plus F&B units, retail, supermarket, and restaurants on a 19,600 sqm West Coast site. $112.2 million contract for developer Bilaj Al-Jazayer.
• Marassi Galleria, Car Park, Vida Hotel & Vida Services Apartments 200,000 sqm shopping complex with over 350 stores, multiplex cinema, aquarium, ice rink, 50,000 sqm hotel and serviced apartments (157 rooms and 141 apartments), and a 250,000 sqm multi-storey car park for over 5,500 cars. $300 million+ Cebarco-Shapoorji Pallonji JV for developer Eagle Hills Diyar.
• Dilmunia Grand Canal & Marina Bahrain's largest man-made water structure — a 1.7 km seawater canal with waterfalls, multimedia fountains, water jets, and a marina, featuring automated fountain systems with 1,200 colour-changing LEDs designed by OASE GmbH. Built for Ithmaar Development Company as part of the Dilmunia mixed-use development.
• Dilmunia Health Island Infrastructure Complete infrastructure development of a man-made island including HV works, deep sewers, telecommunications, primary water transmission, bridges, earthworks, highways, and distributor roads. Phases I, II and III completed over 71 months at a contract value of $64 million for Ithmaar Development Company.

Quantifiable outcome

• Delivered Bahrain International Circuit in 483 days - fastest 'Rock to Race' circuit ever constructed, 6 weeks ahead of schedule
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bahrain Rugby Football AssociationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 May 2025Official match sponsor for Bahrain's first-ever international rugby test match against Jordan. Community and sports development sponsorship.
• Bahrain Road Runners and British ClubminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 November 2024Marathon sponsorship with Cebarco team participation. Company achieved 2nd place in Construction Category and 44th overall among 120 teams.
• Rashid Equestrian & Horse Racing ClubminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2024Sponsorship partnership for Crown Prince's Cup Equestrian Race. Represents community engagement and sports sponsorship rather than core business development.
• BRAVE Combat FederationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 February 2021Partnership for BRAVE CF Return To Kombat Kingdom series of 4 events. Sports sponsorship supporting Bahrain-based MMA organization led by HH Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
• Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 January 2021Official partner for Dakar Rally 2021. BRX is joint venture between Prodrive and Kingdom of Bahrain. Cebarco supports car preparation and team logistics for the extreme desert race.
• Shapoorji Pallonji MideastcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 November 2018Cebarco-Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast joint venture for construction of Marassi Galleria Mall and Vida Hotel ($300M+ contract). Partnership enables access to larger contracts and combines local expertise with international construction capabilities.
• Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partnership for Bilaj Al Jazayer beach boulevard infrastructure project and waterfront developments. Cebarco serves as awarded contractor for infrastructure projects.
• Aldar Properties PJSCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloper relationship for Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Marina Yacht Club construction in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Completed Yas Marina Circuit before deadline with 14,000 workers.
• Ithmaar Development Company (IDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership for $1.6 billion Dilmunia mixed-use development. Cebarco has constructed primary infrastructure including substations, bridges, canals, and marina works since 2013.
• KAR Group SubsidiariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegration with KAR Group companies: KARTEC Services (MEP), KARTC (crane equipment), KAR Facade (aluminum/glazing), Marmara/Aqua Art/Aqua Lux (tiles/sanitary ware), KAR Trading, PKE (electronics/security). Internal partnerships provide integrated construction services.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Bechtel Corporation: Global EPC major with extensive Middle East infrastructure and mega-project credentials. Bechtel operates at the very top end of the project-size spectrum where Cebarco also competes for landmark mandates.
• Aldar Properties: Abu Dhabi's largest listed developer with an in-house construction/project management capability. Aldar was Cebarco's client on Yas Marina/Yas Yacht Club and is also an emerging competitor-developer in the wider GCC mixed-use space.

Direct peers

• Al Habtoor Group: UAE-based conglomerate with a large construction division delivering hotels, commercial and infrastructure projects across the Gulf. Overlaps with Cebarco on hospitality fit-outs, large buildings and mixed-use developments in Bahrain/UAE.
• Arabtec Holding: Historic UAE construction major (parent of Trojan Holding) with deep experience in mega building and infrastructure projects across the GCC, including high-rise and mixed-use developments that compete directly with Cebarco's portfolio.
• Haji Hassan Group: Bahraini construction and building materials group with civil, mechanical and building capabilities. A Grade A Bahraini contractor competing with Cebarco for government infrastructure, building and industrial projects.
• Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast: Indian-headquartered construction major with a major Middle East operation. Shapoorji Pallonji is Cebarco's JV partner on the $300M+ Marassi Galleria/Vida project and is a direct competitor on Bahrain and GCC building tenders.
• Nass Corporation: Bahraini conglomerate with a substantial mechanical, civil and building construction division. Competes head-to-head with Cebarco for Bahrain government and private-sector contracts, including infrastructure and industrial works.
• Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC): Athens-based GCC-headquartered EPC contractor with a similarly broad heavy-civil, infrastructure and building portfolio across the Middle East. CCC competes with Cebarco for the same tier of mega-project tenders in Bahrain and the wider Gulf.

Regional players

• Almoayyed Contracting: Bahrain-based Grade A contractor (part of Almoayyed International Group) specializing in civil, mechanical and building works. A direct domestic competitor to Cebarco on Bahrain government and private-sector tenders.

Emerging players

• Saipem: Italy-based EPC contractor with infrastructure, water and large-scale construction capabilities across MENA. Saipem increasingly competes with regional contractors like Cebarco for water/sewage treatment and infrastructure mandates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CebarcoBahrain
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cebarco---wct-w.l.l.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cebarco