DUBAI: Expo 2020 Dubai has announced that the construction of its petal-shaped Thematic Districts is now complete, marking one of the most significant milestones on the road to welcoming the world to the UAE.
More than 100 million working hours have now gone into developing the site, including the completion of all shell and core works for the event. Final building completion certificates have been received from Dubai Municipality, with all Expo-led construction on track to be completed in the year before gates open.
Built by the UAE’s Al Futtaim Construction and already landscaped with water and shading features, the districts are now ready for fitout. They form the largest built-up area of the site and include 86 low-rise buildings. 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.
Designed by Hopkins and Partners, the Thematic Districts evoke old Dubai, with facades resembling traditional Emirati wind towers and walkways lined with flora indigenous to the UAE.
The next major Expo 2020 construction milestone is the completion of Al Wasl Plaza’s massive domed trellis, which will act as a huge 360-degree projection screen and is scheduled for completion in June.
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 4.38 sqkm site and other key water, sewage and telecommunications infrastructure, including the 2.2 km road network, have already been completed.