Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has appointed a consortium of US-based CH2M Hill and UK-headquartered Mace to undertake all real estate and construction delivery related programme management services for its Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali development.

The master district development will also host Expo 2020 Dubai within a secure gated area when the six-month event debuts in October 2020.

Their successful appointment at the end of the rigorous procurement process now sees CH2M HILL-Mace providing full-service consultancy, real estate programme management, design, construction and operations management for the end-to-end development and delivery of Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali and the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

Core precincts on the site, which will be ready for Expo 2020 Dubai, are being programmed with a strong legacy focus minimising redundancy and expediting transition to the planned signature end-state development reflecting the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create the prototype smart destination for 'purposeful innovation', retaining a core focus on youth and culture, establishing Dubai as a global city of the future, said a statement.

Post Expo 2020 Dubai, which runs until April 2021, the site aims to continue to inspire the region's youth through the delivery of an inclusive environment that fosters cultural learning, collaborative co-creation and business in a complete destination proposition.

Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali development will become a new focal point of global business tourism for the region, reinforcing the UAE's established position as an international destination fostering thought leadership across key sectors for economic development and a business networking hub through trade fairs, mega-events and conferences.

CH2M HILL-Mace brings a wealth of experience in the sport and events arena, having joined forces in the past on several occasions including most recently to deliver the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Separately, CH2M HILL played a strategic consulting role on Rio 2016, while Mace is the programme manager for the Qatar Public Works programmes and provided strategic programme advice to the organising committee of Astana Expo 2017.

Within the region, both firms have a very strong presence, and specifically in the UAE they have independently delivered successes on major mixed use private sector and government projects including Jumeirah Beach Residences, Mall of the Emirates, Business Bay Development, Media City, Silicon Oasis; and Abu Dhabi STEP Programme, ENEC Nuclear Programme and Masdar City.

"In CH2M HILL and Mace we have a proven partner that we feel confident will enable the delivery of a state-of-the-art home for Expo 2020 Dubai. The success of the development is critically linked to its timely and efficient evolution to the planned legacy of Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali, and we look forward to seeing this partnership with CH2M HILL-Mace support DWTC and Dubai in fulfilling this long-term commitment," said Ahmed Al Khatib, director - real estate, DWTC.

Joseph Danko, senior vice president and operations director, urban programs at CH2M HILL, said: "We are excited that we have been appointed with Mace to deliver the Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali development and the site that will host Expo 2020 Dubai. As a world leader in programme management, we will bring our track record of delivery excellence, sustainability and innovation to this programme, a benchmark for major events. We are excited to take on this amazing opportunity and contribute to the ever increasing global role of Dubai, its leadership and people."

Jason Millett, COO for major programmes and Infrastructure at Mace, said: "I'm delighted that we have been appointed with CH2M HILL to deliver the programme management of such a high-profile and prestigious development. At Mace we have a wealth of experience in international programme management and this appointment gives us a great opportunity to export our expertise. This work will provide invaluable opportunities for Mace people, as well as the chance to collaborate with local businesses to deliver this exciting programme of events." - TradeArabia News Service