Expo 2020 Dubai says it will award 47 construction contracts worth AED11bn ($3bn) in 2017.

The contracts to be awarded this year cover major works such as the construction of the three Thematic Districts that will host the majority of the pavilions, and infrastructure work on the site.

Contractors submitted bids in mid-January for the contract to complete the Thematic District.

Another 98 non-construction contracts totalling more than AED360m will be awarded by the end of 2017. These contracts include legal advisory services, event management, and merchandising.

Expo says that it is “on track to complete the majority of construction a full year ahead of the event opening in October 2020 and is delivering on its commitment to bring major opportunities to both local and global companies”.