The value of all projects related to Expo 2020 Dubai has touched Dh122 billion as the UAE begins the countdown for the mega global showcase that will kick-off on October 20, 2020.

Project research and intelligence provider BNC Network said the projects underway include transport infrastructure, such as the expansion of road networks, several highways, roundabouts, interchanges and expansion of the Dubai Metro line to connect to the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum International Airport to the rest of Dubai. Also under contract are mixed-use projects, residential, commercial, hospitality and golf courses.

BNC Network said most of these projects, located at Dubai South, the 145-sqkm mixed-use development with Al Maktoum International Airport as its centrepiece, are expected to be completed before the six-month-long Expo 2020, while creating 500,000 jobs.

Al Maktoum, the world's largest greenfield airport development with a design capacity to handle 220 million passengers and 16 million tonnes of cargo per annum, will have five runways and six terminal buildings.

"As it stands, Dubai is getting ready to host the Expo 2020 and the emirate is way ahead in terms of its readiness to host the mega event - taking place in the Middle East for the first time in the event's more than 150 years of history," said Avin Gidwani, chief executive officer of BNC Network.

"While driving past some of the major highways, one would notice the hectic construction activities on both sides, reflecting the pace of developments. Most of the hotel projects are on a fast-track basis, intended to expand the room inventory," he added.

Dubai South has been divided into separate functional districts, such as the Logistics District, linked to the airport - to create a mega cargo hub - which along with Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone, created one of the world's largest sea-to-air logistic corridors. The 21-sqkm-long Logistics District is designed to enable fast-cycle businesses and provide value-added services such as manufacturing and assembly.

The Logistics District also will host Dh25 billion residential districts - with a building capacity for 1,100 low- to mid-rise buildings that covers a 715 hectares area and expected to accommodate 250,000 residents, when complete, said BNC Network.

The Commercial District is expected to provide employment opportunities for an estimated 150,000 people. It will consist of over 850 commercial towers with three to five star hotel lodging and is divided into eight zones - Urban Village, Lake District, The Seven Towers, Central Park, Creative Commercial District, Grand Central, Business District and Residential Crescent.

The mega development features an Exhibition District that will host the World Expo 2020 site, a 6.7-sqkm Aviation District that is being developed adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport; a Business Park Free Zone, located at the gateway of Dubai South; and a Humanitarian District, which is envisioned to become a leading regional hub for the coordination of emergency response and relief operations.

Source: Khaleej Times