Dubai Trade District moves from vision to reality

Work has begun to transform a car park used by exhibition visitors into the first phase of a Dh15.8 billion business hub in the financial heart of Dubai.

Construction of the first phase of Dubai Trade Centre District, which will eventually sit on 115,932 square metres of land between

Emirates Towers and the World Trade Centre, will take two years. The initial stage of the six-phase development is set to be a commercial centre located between Emirates Towers and the Novotel hotel.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the master planner for the district, has secured the United Kingdom's Hopkins Architects to create the first phase. Hopkins, which is also involved in Dubai International Financial Centre's The Gate, will work with engineering group WSP. The World Trade Centre Tower will be preserved as an iconic landmark within the overall development.

"The Dubai Trade Centre District is now moving from vision to reality," said DWTC Director General Helal Saeed Al Marri. "It is critically important for us as master developers to build something which will not only have a major impact on business across the Middle East but will also ensure that sustainability concepts are incorporated into every aspect of development."

DWTC says the district will be a fully integrated lifestyle destination blending commerce, residential, retail and leisure facilities in the commercial heart of Dubai. It will also be an enhanced central business district at the centre of one of the Middle East's most dynamic economies. The first phase is due for completion in early 2010 and will include a business quarter with two hotels, 200,000sq m of grade A1 office accommodation, 830 apartments and 750 serviced apartments with retail outlets and 8,600 parking spaces. There will be 12,500sq m of ground floor retail space.

Many of the buildings will be linked by air-conditioned pedestrian walkways.

The district recently received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard pre-certification because of the developer's commitment to sustainability.

The buildings will be eco-friendly, says DTWC, and all offices and residences will make the best use of naturally lit spaces alongside landscaped terraces.

"Our excellent working relationships with our partners Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and the Roads and Transport Authority have played a major role in the seamless progression of the project from the drawing board to its current stage of implementation," added Al Marri. "By building to the LEED gold standard we are also contributing to Dubai's overall positioning as an environment-friendly city." DWTC is working with the UAE Green Building Council and aims to use carbon neutral technology throughout the construction and after the buildings are occupied.

The first phase is set to receive tenants in 2010. DWTC is offering investment opportunities in the development and is in discussions with individuals, international development groups and several leading hotel companies.

The initial excavation work is already completed and more than 850,000 cubic metres of concrete is now being poured into the foundations. Piling work is also well under way with 3,000 of the 7,000 piles already in place.

"Phase one of this spectacular redevelopment project will transform the entire area surrounding the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre," said DWTC's director-general.

"Residential, hospitality and leisure facilities will provide the perfect balance of today's work-play environments with high-end shopping, fine dining, arts, entertainment and cultural options, together with the ultimate in high-end residential accommodation."