The Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau has given an update on the construction of Expo 2020, which will open its doors in almost exactly four years.
Early works are expected to be completed by the end of this year, including completion of excavation of the basement for the three thematic districts. Construction of the thematic districts is set to begin in 2017, according to a statement emailed to Gulf News on Thursday. The peak of infrastructure activities as the media centre, VIP facilities and other operational areas will be completed by 2018, and participant nations will begin construction of national pavilions.
All infrastructure work is expected to be completed by October 2019, according to the Bureau.
When Expo 2020 wraps up in 2021, the site will be demobilised and the Expo will transition to the legacy phase — 80 per cent of the Expo site building footprint will be repurposed for future use.
The Expo’s four infrastructure sections — or “packages” as the Expo 2020 Bureau calls it — are worth collectively Dh1.3 billion.The first infrastructure package has been awarded to UAE contractor Tristar Engineering and Construction. It involves the installation of electricity, water, and drainage, as well as the implementation of digital technology. It also includes the construction of two pumping stations; one for sewerage, and one for irrigation and fire fighting.
Residential area
The package involves early works to support the development of the Expo Village, the residential area that will accommodate participants during the Expo. It is scheduled to be completed by April 2018.
The second infrastructure package will go to tender before the end of the year, 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.
Meanwhile, the thematic districts will include G+2 pavilions, covering 201,000 square metres and a single-storey basement for parking (147,000 square metres).
Subsequent contracts, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), vertical transportation (elevators and escalators), façade, shade structures, and public realm will be put to tender in the second quarter of 2017, with contracts awarded in the third quarter of the same period.
Tenders
Additional public realm infrastructure will be put to tender in the first quarter of 2018, and will include concourses, a performance area and children’s parks, as well as back-of-house secure areas, such as warehousing.
According to the procurement data as at September 2016, 188 tenders were launched; 8,326 suppliers were registered; $550 million in orders were raised, and 38 per cent of awards were to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
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