First phase of DWTC Masterplan will 'transform skyline' of Dubai

In line with DWTC's vision to set a world-class standard for the whole DWTC complex as a state-of-the-art business quarter, two of the world's leading design practices - Hopkins Architects and WSP - have today signed a design agreement for the first phase of the mixed-used master plan approved earlier this year by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister for Finance and Industry, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Before the ceremony, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, met with Sir Michael Hopkins for Hopkins Architects and Thomas Smith, for WSP, and discussed Dubai World Trade Centre's ambition to create a business quarter that will be globally recognisable as the epicentre of Dubai's emerging central business district.

"The appointment of Hopkins Architects and WSP highlights the importance we are placing on world-class architecture for the DWTC Masterplan," said Helal Saeed Al Marri.

"Following the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, our aim is to create truly outstanding properties at the very heart of Dubai, supported by all the facilities required to host world-class meetings and conventions," he added.

The area surrounding the DWTC Tower will be enhanced and remodelled to include a state-of-the-art convention centre, office and residential towers, hotels and hotel apartments and related commercial facilities.

"We are enormously excited to have been selected to design the first phase of the most outstanding and important development site in Dubai," said Sir Michael Hopkins at the signing ceremony. "Hopkins Architects has been tasked with designing a DWTC district that will define the character of the entire area as a development of international standard and status. We look forward to meeting this challenge and working with DWTC on part of their proactive and visionary development."

The project contains two hotels, more than 2,000 apartments and 250,000 sq. m of offices with related retail and car parking.

Hopkins' proposal will create a development with a vibrant mix of public and private spaces, linked by pedestrian routes which are all quickly and easily accessible.

"Projects of this scale and vision require world class companies to deliver them and we're confident that the collaboration between DWTC, WSP and Hopkins Architects provides the right foundations for this development,"

said Thomas Smith, Senior Executive, WSP Group.

Using the highest standards in design, the buildings will be environmentally sustainable and will be carefully designed to the highest quality. All offices and residences will make the best use of the abundant sunlight, with naturally-lit interior spaces alongside landscaped terraces.

Plans for the new district are scheduled to be unveiled at the end of the year, with a special series of presentations planned to coincide with Cityscape, The International Property Investment & Development Event held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in December.

A model for the DWTC will be shown at The MIPIM Asia Conference 27-29 September, Hong Kong.