Dubai: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced the commencement of major construction work on the first phase of the Dubai Trade Centre District (The District), the integrated commercial destination that is coming up at the heart of Dubai's business district on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The District has also recently received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold standard pre-certification for its commitment to sustainability.

With the initial excavation work now being completed, over 850,000 cubic metres of concrete is being poured into the foundations, in preparation for 2.3 million square feet of commercial office space, and 135,000 square feet of ground floor retail space that will be offered in the first phase of the development.

Piling work on the project is also well underway with 3,000 of the 7,000 piles already in place, as Phase One of this spectacular redevelopment project that will transform the entire area surrounding the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre rapidly takes shape.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, said: "The Dubai Trade Centre District is now moving from vision to reality. It is critically important for us as master-developers to build something which will not only have a major impact on business across the Middle East, but will also ensure that sustainability concepts are incorporated into every aspect of construction and development."