Dubai Expo 2020: $273m infra works set to start
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approves the latest design of the Expo building
The first infrastructure works at the Dubai Expo 2020 site are set to begin, with the tender for the second package due to be awarded soon, it has been announced.
The news came as part of an official update as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday toured the Expo 2020 site.
More than 4.7 million cubic metres of earth has already been moved and recycled in preparation for the construction phase of the project, according to the UAE state news agency WAM.
The first infrastructure package, one of four packages totalling AED 1.3 billion ($273m), is due to commence “shortly” and will be completed by April 2018, it was reported.
“It involves early works to support the development of the Expo Village where participants will reside during the period of the Expo. Other elements include systems for sewage, water, electricity and telecom cabling,” WAM said.
“The second package will go to tender shortly and will include the deep infrastructure for the gated area of the site. The third and final infrastructure package will include the surface road network.”
All infrastructure work is due to be completed by October 2019. Sheikh Mohammed urged the timely delivery of the works, and also approved the latest architectural design of the Expo building and associated area.
Initial development of the 4.38 square kilometre site, located in the Dubai South district, has already begun.
More than 8,000 local and international companies have registered on the Expo 2020 procurement portal, WAM reported.
The total value of all contracts and purchase orders to date is around AED 1.95 billion, with 20% of the Expo’s total direct and indirect spend, representing more than AED 5 billion in contracts, set to be allocated to SMEs.
