Construction formally commences at Expo 2020 Dubai site

Construction at the Expo 2020 Dubai site in the Dubai South district has formally commenced, with the first of four infrastructure sections (worth collectively Dh1.3 billion) — or “packages” as the Expo 2020 Bureau calls it, underway, the Bureau said.

More than 4.7 million cubic meters of sand has been moved ahead of the main construction phase, according to a statement from the Bureau.

The first section of infrastructure work related to the Expo, currently underway, involves work on the Expo Village, where participants will reside during the Expo period. This covers systems for sewage, water, electricity and telecom cabling. It is expected to be completed by April 2018.

The second section will go to tender shortly, according to the statement, which will include the deep infrastructure work for the gated area of the site. And the third and final section will include the surface road network.

All infrastructure work is expected to be completed by October 2019, according to the Bureau.

The design phase for the public realm, specialist site-wide elements and the three Thematic Districts is underway. The Bureau said that major procurement packages will be awarded this year to support the development of the Exhibition Centre and Shade Structure, the Bureau stated.

The site will be ready for participants to begin work on their pavilions starting April 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, the site will be handed over to test Event Operations, and a series of events will be held in preparation for the Expo