Arabtec Construction has been awarded a $49 million (AED169m) contract to complete 29,000 sqm of public spaces at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The contract, which starts immediaetely, includes a 5,000 sqm water feature, restaurants, utilities and landscaping elements.
Located next to Expo 2020’s centrepiece Al Wasl Plaza, the public spaces will give millions of people from around the world an opportunity to relax, enjoy a bite to eat and take in the action during the six-month event.
Ahmed Al Khatib, chief site delivery officer – Real Estate and Delivery, Expo 2020 Dubai, said the contract reinforces commitment to UAE companies.
“As the first world expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 represents an incredible commercial opportunity for UAE companies of all sizes,” he said.
“By collaborating with industry leaders, we aim to deliver a world-class destination with public areas that complement Expo’s immersive visitor experience, while creating a positive economic impact for our nation.”
Other UAE-based companies are playing a leading role in the construction of Expo 2020 Dubai include Al-Futtaim Construction, Al Naboodah Construction, Besix, Khansaheb and Tristar Engineering.
In line with its theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai expects to welcome 25 million visits between 20 October, 2020 and 10 April, 2021.
Approximately 70 percent of its visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of world expos.
As well as its family-friendly public areas and Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020 will feature three thematic pavilions inspired by its key subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability and 190 country pavilions.