Dubai: UK-based construction firm Laing O’Rourke has won two Expo construction contracts worth Dh670 million, Expo 2020 Dubai announced on Tuesday.
The contracts cover the construction of Expo’s ‘Hammerhead’ access road to the central Al Wasl Plaza, and the event’s Leadership and Media pavilions, with associated mechanical, plumbing and electrical works.
Ahmed Al Khatib, senior vice-president of Real Estate and Delivery at Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “These projects will be constructed in close proximity to the UAE Pavilion and other pavilions. This area is already a hive of construction activity, with all of these projects being built simultaneously.
“With this in mind, close collaboration between construction companies on site will be vital to coordinate logistics and ensure that work continues according to our schedule.”
The contact to build the trellis dome of the 150 metre-diameter Al Wasl Plaza was awarded to Cimolai Rimond ME in November 2017.
Work on Expo’s three themed districts, representing sustainability, opportunity and mobility, is already underway by Al Futtaim Carillion, whose UK partner Carillion collapsed last week.
Expo released a statement saying the collapse of the UK firm would not affect the event.
“We are in close contact with the company, and are constantly monitoring the current issue,” the statement said. “Construction on the Theme Districts is well advanced and work is continuing as planned. We do not anticipate any impact on project delivery and are on track to deliver a spectacular Expo on time and in budget.”
