Carillion venture named contractor for $600m Dubai Expo project
Al Futtaim Carillion to develop three theme districts within the Expo site
The Dubai-based Al Futtaim Carillion will be the main contractor for the key development of three ‘theme districts’ for Expo 2020 Dubai, according to a statement.
The phase is worth AED 2.2 billion ($600m) and is the first of AED 11 billion worth of construction contracts that Expo 2020 Dubai plans to award in 2017.
When Expo 2020 Dubai opens on 20 October 2020, the theme districts will be home to 136 pavilions for many of the participating countries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and commercial partners, the statement said.
In total, the theme districts and the buildings within them will have a floor area of 222,000 square meters.
“We commenced the construction of the infrastructure last year and are right on track with our plans. With the Theme Districts construction award, we are starting the main phase of buildings and construction,” said Ahmed Al Khatib, Vice President – Real Estate at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“All excavation works for the Theme Districts basements have been completed and are ready for the appointed contractor to begin construction.”
Ahmed Al Khatib added that flexibility of use was the key design consideration for the districts as part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s legacy after its closure in April 2021, when they will become a vital part of the future Dubai South ecosystem for its residents and visitors.
“We will follow up with other construction awards this year.
“It’s a big moment in the life of this event. The Theme Districts will be a major part of the site, explored and enjoyed by many thousands of people daily during the six months of Expo 2020 Dubai.”
Al Futtaim Carillion was successful in a competitive procurement process.
Ahead of any major construction package, Expo 2020 Dubai runs a pre-qualification process open to all contractors. Thirty-five from around the world responded for the Theme Districts.
Ahmed Al Khatib added: “Al Futtaim Carillion has a proven record of successful delivery of buildings and infrastructure projects for the commercial and public sectors in the UAE. Their experience, knowledge and capabilities on major projects qualifies them to undertake the Theme District construction work for Expo 2020 Dubai.
“Contractors were assessed and shortlisted based on their capabilities, their approach towards construction and safety, their proven commitment to quality and timely delivery, their strong supply chain, and equally their ability to deliver sustainable solutions. This matches our intention to obtain the Gold category Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED Gold certification, which is one of the most popular green building certification programmes used worldwide.”
Edmund Mahabir, Managing Director of Al Futtaim Carillion, welcomed the announcement. “Expo 2020 Dubai is a landmark project for the UAE as the first World Expo to be held in the Arab world and Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.
“Al Futtaim Carillion has been operating as a Dubai-based joint venture since 1972. We are very proud to be able to play a role in the construction of the site for Expo 2020 Dubai, a venue that will play an important role in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the UAE,” he said
“We’re now mobilising and are excited to be starting work before the end of March.”
