Theme districts rise from the ground at Expo site

Some of the pavilions will be built by countries themselves while Expo is constructing others to be rented.

dubai - Construction across the site is on track, say organisers

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By Staff Report

Published: Mon 30 Oct 2017, 6:02 PM

Last updated: Mon 30 Oct 2017, 8:05 PM

Expo 2020 Dubai's pavilions for some participant countries have reached above-ground level, a key milestone in construction on the 4.38 square kilometre site.

Images released by Expo organisers on Monday show the pace of progress on these pavilions in Expo's three theme districts - opportunity, mobility and sustainability. These buildings are the first structures to reach above-ground level. Construction across the site is on track, said Expo 2020 Dubai.

Some of the pavilions at Expo 2020 will be built by countries themselves while Expo is constructing others to be rented.

Work on the districts began in March after Dubai-based Al Futtaim Carillion was awarded a Dh2.2 billion contract.

Ahmed Al Khatib, vice-president of real estate and delivery at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "The first superstructure - buildings that have reached above-ground level - to emerge in the theme districts marks a key milestone in our journey to Expo 2020."

Expo 2020's theme districts will contain 136 pavilions for countries, NGOs and commercial partners, while dozens of other 'self-built' country pavilions will be erected outside the theme districts.

Pavilions will house a wide range of exhibits and experiences to entertain, educate and empower the millions of people expected to visit the Expo. Every building in the theme districts will meet at least the Leed gold standard for sustainability.

During the Expo, the completed basements will become an underground rail and road network, supporting logistics to ensure pavilions, shops, restaurants and cafes are restocked and cleaned throughout the day.

The pace of development across the Expo site is accelerating now that the main construction phase is underway. At least 17km of logistics roads have been constructed - using recycled concrete - to allow equipment and materials to access the site. Infrastructure work is also well advanced, with three Dewa substations near completion. Twelve tower cranes are operating at the Expo site, with a further 10 to be erected in the coming months. Each week, 6,100 cubic metres of concrete is poured on to the site.

All heavy construction at the Expo site will be completed by October 2019, a full year before the Expo opens on October 20, 2020.

- business@khaleejtimes.com

Staff Report

Published: Mon 30 Oct 2017, 6:02 PM

Last updated: Mon 30 Oct 2017, 8:05 PM

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