Al Futtaim Carillion, a Dubai-based company, will be the main contractor for the key development of the three Theme Districts at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Dh2.2 billion contract announced on Thursday is the first of Dh 11 billion worth of construction contracts that Expo 2020 Dubai plans to award in 2017.
Expo’s three Theme Districts will be named Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability after its three sub-themes and the design will reflect traditional Dubai architecture.
When Expo 2020 Dubai opens on October 20, 2020, the Theme Districts will be home to 136 pavilions for many of the participating countries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and commercial partners at Expo, and will host cutting-edge exhibits and experiences for Expo’s many millions of visitors to enjoy. In total, the Theme Districts and the buildings within them will have a floor area of 222,000 square metres.
Ahmed Al Khatib, Vice President – Real Estate at Expo 2020 Dubai said that the award marked an exciting step in the growth of Dubai, both for the six months of the event itself and beyond as the Districts and full Expo site become an integral part of Dubai South’s vibrant and varied new development.
“We commenced the construction of the infrastructure last year and are right on track with our plans. With the Theme Districts construction award, we are starting the main phase of buildings and construction,” he said.
“All excavation works for the Theme Districts basements have been completed and are ready for the appointed contractor to begin construction.”
Ahmed Al Khatib added that flexibility of use was the key design consideration for the Districts as part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s legacy after its closure in April 2021, when they will become a vital part of the future Dubai South ecosystem for its residents and visitors.
He continued, “We will follow up with other construction awards this year. It’s a big moment in the life of this event. The Theme Districts will be a major part of the site, explored and enjoyed by many thousands of people daily during the six months of Expo 2020 Dubai.”
Al Futtaim Carillion was successful in a competitive procurement process.
By WAM Â www.khaleejtimes.com
