Carillion secures £490m Dubai Expo contract

Wolverhampton-based construction and support services group, Carillion has secured a £490m contract to develop a prestigious new development in the Middle East.

The company’s Al Futtaim Joint Venture has been awarded the huge contract, which will see it develop the Flagship Theme Districts and Public Realm works for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Expo 2020 Dubai will host around 180 nations and an international audience of millions.

Describing the event, Expo 2020 Dubai – which has awarded the contract – said: “Expo will provide visitors with the chance to see spectacular architecture, merge with global cultures, examine thoughtful and thought provoking exhibitions, and taste food from every corner of the globe.

“Above all, visitors to the event will witness the very latest in thinking and technology all in one place and at one time. Expo will be an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. We are preparing for an event that will enthral and amaze the many millions who visit, providing a sense of wonder at the ability of people, working together, to envisage and achieve a better tomorrow.”

Al Futtaim’s share of the development consists of 147,000 sq m of single story basements and 98 pavilion buildings, totalling a gross area of 220,000 sq m, together with  99,000 sq m of external works.

The contract will begin this month and is scheduled for full completion in mid-2019.  

Commenting, Richard Howson, chief executive, Carillion said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this flagship project and to be supporting Expo 2020 Dubai in its ambition to demonstrate to the world, Dubai’s desire to lead economic growth and excellence internationally.

“This award further enhances our position as a recognised market leader and we continue to see good 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 continuing the development our close relationship with Expo 2020 Dubai to deliver this important development.”    
 
Al Futtaim is part of the company’s Middle East construction services, one of its four distinct divisions.