Expo 2020 awards more than Dhs11bn of contracts in 2017

Dubai’s Expo 2020 has awarded Dhs10.8bn ($2.95bn) of construction contracts so far this year, it was announced during a dedicated Procurement Conference.

Some Dhs411m ($112m) of non-construction contracts have also been awarded in 2017 – far exceeding the organisers’ pledge of Dhs360m ($98m) – as preparations for the global event continue at pace.

According to the Dubai Media Office, Expo 2020 Dubai will reach its target of Dhs11bn ($3bn) construction contracts after the awarding of urban planning and event overlay packages, due to be finalised early next year.

As the event moves into the next stage of its delivery in 2018 – focussed on operational expenditure – other sectors will offer procurement opportunities, including design, logistics, health and safety, construction and construction materials.

Speaking at the Expo 2020 Dubai Procurement Conference, Manal Al Bayat, senior vice president of business development and integration at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “This has been a significant year on the journey to Expo 2020 Dubai, and we are excited to continue our smooth progress into 2018, which will see us offer further opportunities to companies in the UAE and the wider region.

“Expo 2020 is committed to building a long-lasting and sustainable economic legacy, not just for the UAE but for the region, which is why events like the Procurement Conference are important to raise awareness of the opportunities for participation in Expo and to spread them as far as possible.”

The conference was attended by representatives of more than 300 companies, including small and medium sized enterprises – a segment of businesses that have been awarded more than 50 per cent of Expo 2020 contracts so far.

Expo 2020 Dubai will run for six months from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021. It aims to attract 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors expected to come from outside the UAE.