International design firms masterplan Dubai's World Expo bid

A team of leading international architectural and design firms have been appointed to prepare a masterplan for the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

Upon completion, the masterplan will be included in the UAE's bid dossier to be submitted in December 2012 to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the international organisation responsible for overseeing the bidding, selection and organisation of World Expos.

Led by architecture and design consulting firm HOK, the team includes experts with significant experience in mega-events, including the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Partner companies involved in the masterplan of the Expo site include architects Populous and specialist design consultancy Arup.

Experiential design and development firm, Thinkwell, has also been appointed to develop the entertainment masterplan, bring the bid to life with a program of shows, performances and events that will aim to enhance the visitor experience and drive global tourist traffic to the Expo.

The team have been tasked with designed a specialised, highly connected environment in support of the UAE's bid to bring the Expo to the region for the first time in the event's 160-year history. The masterplan for the 438-hectare Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali site will be will serve as a permanent attraction, contributing to Dubai's long-term appeal as a premier destination for global events.

The bid's theme is 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future' with the design brief for the Jebel Ali site requiring the creation of a permanent attraction, supporting both the Expo bid and contributing to Dubai's long-term appeal as a premier destination for global events.

UAE Minister of State and the Managing Director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo explains "those developing the masterplan will manifest our theme throughout the site, bringing the UAE's natural role as a convener and connector to life for all Expo 2020 participants and visitors."

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre and Member of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai added "the masterplan for our proposed site for the 2020 World Expo will reflect the UAE's focus on both connectivity and sustainability.

"We will use the latest technology to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure and ensure an entertaining, educational and seamless Expo experience for global visitors and participants, while also creating a lasting legacy for generations to come."

Dubai is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 World Expo: Ayutthaya, Thailand; Ekaterinburg, Russia; Izmir, Turkey and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The winning city will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 160 member nations of the BIE.

For more information go to www.expo2020dubai.ae 

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