Leading firms appointed for masterplan of UAE Expo bid

Two leading international consultancies have been appointed to support the development of the masterplan for Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali, the UAE’s proposed site for the 2020 World Expo in Dubai. Jones Lang LaSalle, or JLL, a financial and professional services firm specialising in real estate and operating in 1,000 locations across 70 countries, has been mandated to carry out a site analysis and legacy masterplan review. As part of this feasibility study, JLL will develop a long-term land use plan, providing a sustainable development strategy for both the Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali site and surrounding areas. Mace, a consultancy and construction company with a presence in 69 countries around the world, has also been engaged by the Expo 2020 team to assist with cost management and planning, working closely alongside the bid masterplan architects to develop the overall scope of this important project. This £1 billion firm has carried out a wide range of high-profile projects, including serving as a delivery partner for the infrastructure for the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympic Games, as part of the CLM consortium. Mace was also responsible for the construction of the award winning UK Pavillion, officially known as the Seed Cathedral, at the Shanghai Expo 2010, winner of the Expo’s top pavilion award. The appointment of JLL and Mace will complement the skills and expertise of the international architectural and design firms currently working on the site masterplan. “As this announcement demonstrates, we continue to strengthen the team leading the masterplan development of this specialised, highly connected 438-hectare site,” said 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.  “By partnering with the most expert firms from across the globe, we will ensure that Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali serves as an ideal site to host the 2020 Expo — and as a permanent attraction, contributing to the city’s long-term appeal as a premier destination for global events.” “We are aware of the hugely beneficial impact that these events can have on their host cities. We think Dubai and the UAE has an extremely strong case to be selected for Expo 2020 and are delighted to be part of the bid team,” said Alan Robertson, CEO of JLL Middle East and North Africa. “We are committed to helping establish a legacy through large-scale city planning schemes and we are delighted to work on such a significant global event alongside the Dubai World Trade Centre,” said Stephen Pycroft, chairman and CEO of Mace.