DUBAI: Construction at the Expo 2020 Dubai site in the Dubai South district has formally commenced, with the first of four infrastructure sections (worth collectively Dh1.3 billion) — or “packages” as the Expo 2020 Bureau calls it, underway, the Bureau said on Monday.
More than 4.7 million cubic metres of sand has been moved ahead of the main construction phase, according to a statement from the Bureau.
The first section of infrastructure work related to the Expo, currently underway, involves work on the Expo Village, where participants will reside during the Expo period. This covers systems for sewage, water, electricity and telecom cabling. It is expected to be completed by April 2018.
The second section will go to tender shortly, according to the statement, which will include the deep infrastructure work for the gated area of the site. And the third and final section will include the surface road network.
All infrastructure work is expected to be completed by October 2019, according to the Bureau.
Dubai Expo 2020: Progress made and the plan ahead
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted the importance of adhering to the pre-determined deadlines to complete the infrastructure for the Expo, during his visit to the Expo site on Monday. His instructions were issued to the members of the Supreme National Committee for Expo 2020.
He said the Expo’s infrastructure should be finished as per the set deadline so that there will be enough time to put the final touches before the arrival of participating delegates and exhibitors.
Shaikh Mohammad was accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Supreme National Committee for Expo 2020.
Shaikh Mohammad expressed his utmost trust in the committee’s chairman and members as well as work teams who work as a beehive with a positive spirit and strong will so that the Dubai Expo 2020 becomes a unique and special event in terms of organisation, reception, hospitality and promotion.
He urged the committee’s members to be patient, positive and optimistic in order to succeed in their work and perform their duties to the fullest.
Timeline
The design phase for the public realm, specialist site-wide elements and the three Thematic Districts is underway. The Bureau said that major procurement packages will be awarded this year to support the development of the Exhibition Centre and Shade Structure, the Bureau stated. The site will be ready for participants to begin work on their pavilions starting April 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, the site will be handed over to test Event Operations, and a series of events will be held in preparation for the Expo.
Expo 2020, a six-month trade fair that is expected to attract 25 million visitors, will run from October 2020 to April 2021. The Expo’s total budget stands at Dh25 billion.
The Expo site is centred around Al Wasl Plaza, with the three Theme Districts — Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability — spreading outwards from Al Wasl.
-With inputs from WAM
