Dubai World Trade Centre has awarded Al Futtaim Carillion the main contract to deliver the first phase of the Dubai Trade Centre District (DTCD), a 146,000 square metre development between the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and Emirates Towers in the heart of the city’s Central Business District. The contract, which is worth approximately £61 million and includes an eight storey office building and a 588-room business and tourism hotel, will begin in April 2014 and is scheduled for completion in Q3 2015.

Phase 1 of the DTCD development will include international Grade A quality offices, which have achieved LEED Gold pre-certification from the US Green Building Council - the industry benchmark for green building performance covering design, construction, operations and maintenance.

The technology solutions and infrastructure being planned are aligned with the Dubai Government's Smart City strategic agenda, which was launched by Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

-- Advertisement --

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre said: "The Dubai World Trade Centre has always been a core enabler of business tourism for Dubai. The District development justly complements this current proposition, offering a premium destination that will serve as a networking and commercial hub for the international business community."

Commenting on the award, the UK Consul General to Dubai, Edward Hobart said: "The news that Dubai World Trade Centre has selected Al Futtaim Carillion to build the first phase of this major development in Dubai is wonderful, especially as it comes during the visit to Dubai of the UK Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Livingston. This is yet another example of British expertise playing its role in the impressive growth and development of Dubai's infrastructure."

Carillion Chief Executive, Richard Howson, also welcomed the award, citing the Emirate as a core market for Carillion: "We are delighted to have been selected for the first phase of this major development in Dubai, where we continue to see more opportunities coming to market for which our capabilities and reputation for delivering to high standards of quality, safety and reliability are important to customers. We look forward to working with Dubai World Trade Centre to deliver this important development."