The Tunisian National Heritage Institute (INP) has initiated two international tender processes for the restoration and development of the Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Okba Ibn Nafaa. This initiative is part of a project funded by a donation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, administered through the Saudi Development Fund (SFD), as per a memorandum of understanding signed on July 27, 2017.
The tenders, announced on the INP's official social media channels, have set December 18, 2026, as the deadline for submissions. The first tender, numbered 01/2026, focuses on general infrastructure works for the project's first component, encompassing the mosque and its immediate surroundings in the Kairouan governorate. This tender is open to Tunisian, Saudi, and international construction companies, or their solidary groupings.
The second tender, numbered 02/2026, specifically targets the specialized restoration of the mosque's wooden heritage elements. This is aimed at national and foreign entities with proven expertise and references in the field of art restoration. The opening sessions for the offers are scheduled to take place on the same day at the INP's headquarters in Tunis.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan is a significant Islamic monument and a masterpiece of universal architecture. Located in the heart of Kairouan, a city inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since December 7, 1988, it represents a crucial part of Islamic history and culture. Kairouan, the first Muslim city founded in the Maghreb, played a pivotal role in the evolution and spread of Arab-Muslim civilization.
Kairouan is considered the capital and one of the brightest centers of Arab-Muslim culture in the Maghreb for five centuries. The city is a living museum of Arab-Muslim arts and civilization, renowned for its monuments, archaeological treasures, and cultural richness. The restoration project aims to preserve the authenticity and value of these historical assets.
The INP has made all relevant details and tender documents available on its official website. Interested parties can access comprehensive information regarding the tenders and administrative procedures through this platform.
The successful execution of this project is expected to enhance the cultural and historical significance of the Great Mosque of Kairouan, contributing to the preservation of Tunisia's rich heritage and its promotion on the international stage.
Key points
- The tenders are part of a Saudi-funded project to restore the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
- The deadline for tender submissions is December 18, 2026.
- Kairouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant cultural center of Arab-Muslim civilization.
