( Gulf ) - The Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday announced that it has awarded the development contract for Dubai Exhibition World (DEW) to international construction firm Samsung.
The contract, valued at Dh1.3 billion, will see Samsung-Baytur Joint Venture take on the responsibility for the construction, completion and provision of one year's full maintenance of the exhibition complex once it becomes operational.
Samsung is a construction partner for a number of the region's top developments such as the Palm Jebel Ali and the Burj Dubai.
"We are now taking the final steps toward creating a truly world-class business and event infrastructure. "The final contract award for the DEW facility is a major step in the development of our world class commercial destination that is set to change the face for business networking for the region," said Helal Saeed Al Merri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.
Work on the project will begin immediately following the contract signing, with construction due for completion by 2010. DEW will offer 120,000 square metres of column-free exhibition space in its first phase cementing it's position as the largest event facility in the Middle East. The largest single hall will offer 85,000 square metres of uninterrupted exhibition space and will be the longest single column-free exhibition hall in the world.
The facility is planned to expand post completion of phase one, ramping up to over 300,000 square metres of venue space through its second and third phases, to become one of the largest exhibition facilities internationally and to enable Dubai to attract and host the world's most prestigious events.
Surrounding the facility will be a boardwalk and series of green spaces set around three interconnected lakes making it a truly unique destination. Dubai Exhibition World will also be the anchor for Dubai Exhibition City, which will span seven square kilometres and include over 7,500 hotel rooms, an office park and a considerable amount of space dedicated to retail and entertainment making it a truly world class commercial destination.
Dave Chung, regional director, business development for Samsung, said: "Dubai Exhibition World is an ambitious project, which will help drive growth across the region and internationally. We are proud to be part of the creation of this business landmark."