Work on DWTC's new extension on schedule

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the venue operator and events organiser, yesterday announced that its new extension has entered the final phases of completion and is on track to open on schedule.

The extended facilities, to be named 'Sheikh Saeed Halls', are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

With construction on the fast track, the new space will be open and available for hosting events for the upcoming exhibition season.

The Sheikh Saeed Halls will consist of four inter-connected halls including one multi-purpose hall – 'The Trade Centre Arena'.

The arena, featuring 14- metre high ceilings and more than 9,000 square metres of covered exhibition space, has the capacity to hold concerts for about 10,000 guests.

With space for up to 34 regulation size tennis courts, the arena will be able to host a variety of events including weddings, concerts, entertainment events and official sporting and athletic events.

"One of DWTC's core strengths has always been its ability to support the changing needs of the region's Mice sector. We have seen substantial growth in a number of key shows held at our venue during the first half of 2009 and the demand for world class facilities has clearly risen," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWTC.

"The additional halls are a critical step to provide enabling infrastructure to support this growth and our commitment to the industry has helped us maintain momentum. I am extremely pleased to see the final plans moving forward on schedule."

Design on the project began on February 23, 2009, led by design agency Dar Al Handasah. UAE-based Khansaheb Civil Engineering commenced construction work on March 23 and the first erection of structural steel was put in place on May 12.

By the end of July, a total of 4,000 tonnes of steel would have been erected, averaging 61 tonnes per day. In addition, approximately five-and-a-half kilometres of service trenches have been installed below the flooring to allow for easy access to essential water, electricity, data and communications facilities.

With the addition of the Sheikh Saeed Halls, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre will provide a total of one million square feet of covered exhibition space.

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