DWTC awards Samsung-Baytur joint venture Dhs1.3bn construction project

The contract valued at Dhs1.3bn 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 most iconic developments, from the Palm Jebel Ali to the Burj Dubai, soon to be the tallest building in the world.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: "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. Samsung has the track record and the depth of international experience that we require to help make this ambitious vision a reality and we are pleased to have them on board."

Work on the project will began 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 a hugely ambitious project, which will help drive growth across the region and internationally. We are proud to be part of the creation of this major business landmark."

Upon completion of the Burj Dubai, Samsung's CV will boast construction of the three tallest buildings in the world - Taipei 101, Taiwan, and Tower 2 of Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia -currently the world's tallest and second tallest completed buildings.

Samsung draws on a wealth of international experience working on large-scale construction projects in a diverse range of industries including transportation, energy and commercial ventures throughout Asia, Middle East, and America. Famous projects include Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan; Roppongi Hills Building, Japan; Muara Tawar Gas Turbine Power Plant, Indonesia; and Qatar LPG Tank Project; Qatar.

Strongly backed by the Samsung-Baytur expertise and global leadership in construction, the Dubai Exhibition World project will be synonymous with world-class standards in quality infrastructure development. Located next to the Emirates Road, and adjacent to the new Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Exhibition World will provide visitors easy access to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making it ideally positioned to be the preferred destination for Middle East business travellers.