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Video: Exclusive tour of the Dubai Expo 2020 site

All Expo 2020-built structures have been designed to achieve the LEED Gold certification.

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The construction of the Dubai Expo 2020 site has reached a key milestone as three thematic districts have been completed. More than 100 million working hours gone into developing the site and all expo-led construction is on track to be completed by the end of this year, officials revealed on Tuesday.
The three districts form the site's largest built-up area, including 86 buildings that will house dozens of country pavilions, food and beverage outlets, retail and performance spaces and leisure areas.
The site is located at Dubai South and the Expo, which has more than 200 participants, will take place from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021, under the theme 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of the Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "The completion of the thematic districts is a significant milestone in our journey towards delivering an exceptional Expo, including world class design, as part of the UAE leadership's vision to always achieve the highest standards and to show the world the spirit and creativity of our nation."
Meant to evoke old Dubai, the thematic districts include facades resembling traditional Emirati wind towers and walkways lined with flora indigenous to the UAE.
They incorporate a host of innovative features, including smart shading, solar cells and moisture capturing mechanisms, as well as a basement under each district, which will be used for logistics during the event.

The #Expo2020 #Dubai site is coming to life. Here's a glimpse of our three Thematic Districts, where construction is now complete. pic.twitter.com/xxGF8sKfZp
- Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) May 21, 2019

Ahmed Al Khatib, chief development and delivery officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "This is the year of delivery, and the completion of the three thematic districts is a major construction landmark to be celebrated as we prepare to welcome the world in less than 520 days. It's exciting to see the site evolve every day, and despite the pace of progress, we remain committed to quality and worker welfare."
The shell and core works for the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability Districts have also been completed. The final building completion certificates have been received from Dubai Municipality.
Each district will be anchored by its own thematic pavilion and connected to the central Al Wasl Plaza, set to be the next iconic structure of Dubai.
Al Wasl Plaza will act as a massive 360-degree projection screen and the structure's domed trellis is scheduled for completion in June.
All Expo 2020-built structures have been designed to achieve the LEED Gold certification. More than 80 per cent of the Expo-built environment will live on after the event as part of District 2020, an integrated mixed-use community.
The Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension, which will link Expo 2020 to the rest of the emirate, the three Dewa substations that will power the 4.38sqkm site and other key water, sewage and telecommunications infrastructure, including the 2.2km road network, have already been completed.
Ongoing construction of the thematic pavilions, the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Expo Village is progressing as planned.
The world fair is expected to attract 25 million visitors during the 173-day event, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE - which is the largest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of World Expos.
More than 200 participants, including countries, corporations, multinational organisations and educational institutions, will gather to explore the Expo.
Progress on the Dubai Expo 2020 site
>All expo-led construction is expected to be completed by end of this year
>More than 100 million working hours have gone into the site so far
>Three thematic districts completed
>Shell and core works for the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability districts have also been completed
>The Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension, which will link Expo 2020 to the rest of the emirate, the three Dewa substations that will power the 4.38sqkm site and other key water, sewage and telecommunications infrastructure, including the 2.2km road network, have already been completed.
>The Wasl Plaza's massive 360-degree projection screen is scheduled for completion in June
Three Thematic Districts completed
>Forms the site's largest area
>Includes 86 buildings
>These buildings include Country Pavilions, food and beverage outlets, retail, performance spaces and leisure areas
>Designed to portray old Dubai
>Includes facades resembling traditional Emirati wind towers and walkways lined with flora indigenous to the UAE
Expo 2020 details
>Located at the Dubai South
>Taking place from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021
>The theme is 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'
>More than 200 participants, including countries, corporations, multinational organisations and educational institutions, will gather to explore the expo.
>Adults (18 and over) single day tickets cost dh120
>Three-day pass for adults costs dh260
>Free access for children aged five and under and seniors aged 65 and over
>Youth aged six to 17 and students of any age will receive 50 per cent discount
>People of determination will be granted complimentary access, with their carers entering for half price
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com