Construction formally commences at Expo 2020 Dubai site

The Expo 2020 Dubai organizers plan to award 47 construction contracts worth AED11 billion ($3bn) this year in preparation for the event, according to UAE state news agency WAM.

A further 98 non-construction contracts totaling more than AED 360 million ($98m) will also be distributed before the end of the year. These will range from legal advisory services to event management and merchandising.

The construction contracts for 2017, which are open to local, regional and international businesses, include the third and final infrastructure package for the event’s support areas, including car parking.

Other key awards for the year ahead include the construction of the three “thematic districts” that will host the majority of the pavilions, as well as the public areas and the design, development and delivery of all temporary architecture and infrastructure required to stage the event.

The Expo 2020 Dubai eSourcing Portal includes details of upcoming tender opportunities, as well as announcing contracts already awarded. These will range from smaller contracts to larger, multi-billion dirham opportunities.

The announcement shows that the Expo is on track to complete the majority of construction a full year ahead of the event opening in October 2020 and is delivering on its commitment to bring major opportunities to both local and global companies.