Dubai to have Dh30b worth of projects for Expo 2020

Extension of Dubai Metro and expansion of road infrastructure are among the major projects

Dubai: Projects worth Dh30 billion will be built across Dubai to further enhance the emirate’s infrastructure in time to host Expo 2020, a senior official announced at the Dubai International Project Management Forum in Dubai on Monday.

The two-day event, which is set to be an annual platform to discuss project management at the highest level, was inaugurated by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

Being organised by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in association with the Project Management Institute, DEWA and Emaar properties, the event saw leading international experts in project management share their experience, including Nasa Chief Engineer Brian Muirhead, Donald Trump Junior and Mohammad Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, giving keynote presentations.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, announced that around 35 projects worth Dh30 billion will be completed in the next few years including a 15km extension of Dubai Metro Red Line to the Expo 2020 site.

“Work on the Red Line extension will be complete by 2019 and operations will begin a year before the Expo starts. We are working on plans that will help us carry 25 million visitors to the expo site and around the city. We will be developing roads and other infrastructure that will not only facilitate mobility for the expo 2020 but for generations to come,” Al Tayer said.

Among the key projects expected over the next few years also include extension of the Dubai Metro Green Line, stage two of Etihad Rail project that will integrate with Dubai Metro as well as phase two of Dubai Tram and Urban Rapid Transit System.

The first phase of Dubai Tram will open on November 11 this year, while RTA is also launching around 200 smart phone apps as part of Dubai’s Smart City initiative.

The event, held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was held at Madinat Jumeirah.

Earlier in the morning, Nasa Chief Engineer Brian Muirhead gave an inspirational presentation about facing challenges and successfully managing massive projects under pressure.

He gave examples from Nasa’s Mars missions and shed light on how a dedicated team can turn a potentially risky project into success.

Another keynote speaker, Donald Trump Junior, Deputy Chairman of Trump Organisation, shared his personal anecdotes and his father’s mantra of success.

Speaking at the event, Emaar Chairman Mohammad Al Abbar, made a major announcement of a new IPO for Emaar hotels, following its successful launch of its mall IPO. However, he didn’t offer more details.