Master planning for the host venue for Dubai Expo 2020 at the Dubai Trade Centre - Jebel Ali, a 438-hectare site, is fast progressing and has entered the next stage in design, a report said.

Dubai Trade Centre - Jebel Ali includes the dedicated gated 150-hectare Dubai Expo 2020 area and an additional surrounding residential, hospitality and logistics zone, which is being designed to accommodate up to 300,000 visitors, with average week-day attendance expected at 153,000, said the report in Wam, the Emirates’ official news agency.

The contract tenure for the master planners will run until the completion of all requirements for the mandatory registration phase, due to be approved by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), the governing body of the World Expo, by November 2015, according to the report.

While the site readiness activity is underway at the site, full-fledged construction will begin after BIE approval is received, the report highlighted.

The work is being undertaken by a consortium made up of HOK, a leading firm of architects and urban planners, and Arup, infrastructure experts and engineering partners, who continue their association with the project from the successful bid phase.

"Expos have been home to some of the world’s most landmark structures, from the Crystal Palace in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Dubai is committed to building on this tradition and making the entire site an experiential environment that fully embodies the essence of our theme ‘connecting minds, creating the future’," Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State, managing director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Preparatory Committee and director-general of Dubai Expo 2020 Office, was quoted as saying in the report.

HOK and Arup were selected because of their successful involvement with the master plan during the bid phase and their detailed knowledge of the project, as well as relevant expertise on other mega events internationally, said Al Hashimy.

"The master plan design and execution is driven by a clear vision for its legacy, integrating sustainable urban development with opportunities to foster economic and social development for the emirate, for the country and for our region," Helal Almarri, director-general, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Preparatory Committee member, was quoted in the report.

The HOK-Arup consortium will support the Dubai Expo 2020 in the development of strategic and operational components of the Expo master plan including sustainability practices; development of building, pavilions, urban design and engineering guidelines; spatial planning; public realm and landscaping; graphics and way-finding signage; as well as overlay, event operations and facilities management.

"HOK and our consultants Arup are pleased to re-engage with this landmark project allowing us to continue on the next chapter and help in the development of a master plan that sets new precedents for hosting a global event of this type. Dubai Expo 2020 will ensure the site leaves behind an iconic legacy befitting of this truly generation defining event," said Daniel Hajjar, senior vice president, HOK.