Dubai-based firm Al Futtaim Carillion has been chosen as the main contractor for the development of the three Theme Districts at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

The contract awarded is valued at AED2.2bn ($598.9M), and is the first of the AED11bn ($2.9bn) of construction contracts that Expo 2020 Dubai intends to award in 2017.

The three Theme Districts will be named Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, after its three sub-themes, and will incorporate traditional Dubai architecture.

When the Expo 2020 Dubai opens in 20 October 2020, the districts will accommodate 136 pavilions for participating countries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and commercial partners.

The 222,000 sq m project will feature innovative shades as well as climate control solutions.

Ahmed Al Khatib, Expo 2020 Dubai vice president — real estate, said: “We commenced the construction of the infrastructure last year and are right on track with our plans.

“With the Theme Districts construction award, we are starting the main phase of buildings and construction. All excavation works for the Theme Districts basements have been completed and are ready for the appointed contractor to begin construction.”

Al Futtaim Carillion managing director, Edmund Mahabir, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai is a landmark project for the UAE as the first World Expo to be held in the Arab world and Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

“We are very proud to be able to play a role in the construction of the site for Expo 2020 Dubai, a venue that will play an important role in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the UAE. We’re now mobilising and are excited to be starting work before the end of March.”