Laing O’Rourke hails “great opportunity” of two Expo 2020 contracts worth $182m
12,000 people are said to be currently working on the Expo 2020 site
Chief executive Ray O’Rourke has hailed the bagging of two Expo 2020 contracts as a great opportunity for Laing O’Rourke.
As per the terms of the contract, the firm will build Expo 2020’s Leadership and Media Pavilions, as well as the event’s ‘Hammerhead’ shaped access road to Al Wasl Plaza and landscaping. The company will also carry out the associated mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works. Laing O’Rourke says it will work with other construction companies to ensure environmental, economic, worker welfare, and health and safety best practice, in line with Expo 2020’s subtheme of sustainability.
“The continuation of work in Dubai South is a great opportunity to showcase the strength of our Middle East team on Expo 2020. We are committed to local employment in the region, and innovation, through our approach to offsite manufacturing, building on the knowledge and experience we have gained in the Emirates over the past decade. We are delighted that Laing O’Rourke has been chosen to build these prestigious projects, and look forward to playing our part in the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (Measa) region in 2020,” commented O’Rourke.
The projects will be constructed in close proximity to the UAE Pavilion and other surrounding pavilions, all of which are currently under construction. Laing O’Rouke expects to commence construction work on 28 January, 2018, stating that all shell-and-core construction is scheduled for completion by October 2019 – a year before Expo opens on 20 October, 2020.
“We are on track to deliver an exceptional site for an amazing Expo. We are delighted to announce Laing O’Rourke as the main contractor for these important two contracts. The company was selected from among strong international competitors due to its keen understanding of our technical and commercial requirements. It has a long and prestigious history within the UAE construction sector,” added Ahmed Al Khatib, senior vice-president of Real Estate and Delivery at Expo 2020 Dubai.
12,000 people are said to be currently working on the Expo 2020 site and construction is expected to peak towards the end of 2018 and early 2019. By 2019, as many as 35,000 people will be working on the Expo site.
