The DSD/Siemens team will carry out the estimated $40 million-50 million contract on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. The fast-track job will be completed in February 2006 and will be followed by interior fittings to ensure full completion before the WEF opens for three days on 20 May.

Under the contract, DSD will carry out the main EPC portion, including the supply of steel. Fabrication works have already started, with construction to begin in mid-September. Siemens will carry out all electro-mechanical works. The contract was awarded only days after the client had approached the two companies.

The new convention centre, which was designed by Arab French Engineering Consultants (Afco), will be built adjacent to the Jolie Ville Moevenpick resort with an area of 20,000 square metres.

The WEF was incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. In the past two years, the WEF's Middle East forum was held in Jordan, to where it will return in 2007.