Major construction work is under way on the first phase of the Dubai Trade Centre District (The District), the integrated commercial destination on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The District has also received Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standard pre-certification for its commitment to sustainability.
With initial excavation work now completed, over 850,000 cu m of concrete is being poured into the foundations, in preparation for 2.3 million sq ft of commercial office space, and 135,000 square feet of ground floor retail space that will be offered in the first phase of the development.
Piling work on the project is also well under way with 3,000 of the 7,000 piles already in place, as Phase One of this redevelopment that will transform the entire area surrounding the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) rapidly takes shape.
Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, says: “The Dubai Trade Centre District is now moving from vision to reality. 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 construction and development.”
The largest commercial development in the UAE built to Leed Gold standards, The District will offer more than 450,000 sq m of car parking, creating 7,000 spaces on four underground levels. The commitment to LEED Gold Standards will help ensure energy-efficient use of resources, reduce waste and promote the highest level occupant comfort and material recycling.
Given The District’s location – stretching from the Trade Centre Roundabout to Emirates Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road – the focus on environmentally-sustainable construction will also make an important contribution to quality of life for local residents and workers in the area.
One of the innovations that have been incorporated into the blueprint is the optimum use of natural light, as well as a significant amount of landscaped terraces and green areas. In addition, working in coordination with the Green Building Council, DWTC is deploying carbon neutral technology throughout the construction and occupation process. With the first phase of the District set to receive tenants in 2010, the group is also looking to build sustainability principles into its world-class facilities management programme.
“Our excellent working relationships with our partners Dubai Municipality, DEWA and the RTA have played a major role in the seamless progression of the project from the drawing board to its current stage of implementation,” says Al Marri.