Dubai: The next stage of designing the master plan for Expo 2020’s venue is in progress, according to a statement on Wednesday by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the developer of the trade fair’s site.
Dubai won the bid to host Expo 2020 in November last year. The trade fair is expected to run from October 2020 to April 2021 at Dubai Trade Centre- Jebel Ali, a site equidistant from the centres of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and close to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
“The master plan design and execution is driven by a clear vision for its legacy, integrating sustainable urban development with opportunities to foster economic and social development for the emirate, for the country and for our region,” stated Helal Al Merri, DWTC’s CEO and Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Preparatory Committee member.
The work is being done by a consortium made up of HOK and Arup, who continue to take part in the project from the bid phase. The consortium will develop the strategic and operational components of the Expo master plan, including the development of building, pavilions, urban design and engineering guidelines; public realm and landscaping; graphics and way-finding signage, and overlay, event operations and facilities management.
Additionally, they will assist in the transportation and pedestrian modelling, capacity assessment for utilities, infrastructure, security, logistics and environmental design practices, as well as the integration of the site into the wider Dubai infrastructure.
The contract tenure for the master planners will run until the completion of the requirements for the Registration Phase, which is expected to be approved by the Bureau of International Expositions, the governing body of Expo 2020, is by November 2015.
Site readiness activity is already underway at Dubai Trade Centre- Jebel Ali. Construction will begin after the BIE’s approval is received.
