By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize has entered into a transformative agreement with DAR AL OMRAN International Engineering Consultants (DAO), signing a US$1,634,981.27 (BZ$3,269,962.54) consultancy services contract for the design and construction supervision of a 150-bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Belmopan. This significant milestone was formalized by Financial Secretary Mr. Joseph Waight on behalf of Belize and Managing Director Mr. Yacoub Shubeilat for DAO. The project aligns with the Government of Belize’s vision to enhance healthcare infrastructure and provide improved medical services to its citizens.
DAO’s role encompasses the complete architectural and engineering design of the hospital complex, supervision of the layout, construction, and landscaping, and ensuring compliance with rigorous quality and specification standards set by the Government of Belize and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). This initiative is a key element of the GoB’s 2023–2026 Medium Term Strategy, which aims to address social vulnerabilities and deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions to the most underserved populations in the country.
The project follows the GoB’s loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development, signed in May 2023, which provides the financial framework for the Tertiary Hospital in the Belmopan Area Project. DAO was selected as the consultancy partner based on its top-ranked technical and financial proposal among five competing firms. With over 43 years of experience and a global portfolio that includes the design and construction of over 6,000 hospital beds and 2 million square meters of healthcare facilities, DAO brings unmatched expertise to this project. Known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, DAO has successfully undertaken similar large-scale healthcare initiatives across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caribbean.
The consultancy contract spans 55 months, beginning with a 9-month design and approval phase, followed by 34 months of construction supervision and a 12-month defects liability period to ensure the quality and integrity of the completed facility. During a visit to Belize, DAO representatives, including Mr. Shubeilat and Director Mr. Ghassan Rachid, engaged in collaborative meetings with officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, including the Minister, CEO, and technical teams. They also conducted site visits and participated in workshops to align on project objectives and strategies.
This partnership represents a landmark development in Belize’s healthcare sector, promising to deliver a modern teaching hospital equipped to meet international standards. It is a critical step toward realizing the Government of Belize’s vision for a healthcare system that is accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. The 150-bed facility is expected to transform the nation’s medical landscape, providing not only essential healthcare services but also serving as a center for training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
