Image: Dubai is bidding to host the 2020 World Expo

HOK has been appointed to lead the design team responsible for drawing up a masterplan for the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

Populous, Arup and Thinkwell will work along with the architecture and design consulting firm in preparing a masterplan for the proposed Expo site at Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali.

Thinkwell has been appointed to design the Expo's entertainment element, which includes an extensive programme of shows and performances to increase global visitor numbers.

The Expo 2020 site covers 438 hectares (1,082 acres) and is to establish a new permanent attraction for Dubai. The bid's theme will be Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.

UAE's minister of state Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy is the managing director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

Al Hashimy said: "Those developing the masterplan will manifest our theme throughout the site, bringing the UAE's natural role as a convener and connector to life for all Expo 2020 participants and visitors."

HOK senior vice president Daniel Hajjar added: "We look forward to developing an innovative blueprint for the Expo 2020 site - and contributing to the architectural landscape of this uniquely modern city."

UAE's bid dossier will be submitted to Bureau International des Expositions in December. Other candidate cities are Izmir, Turkey; Ayutthaya, Thailand; Yekaterinburg, Russia; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Details: www.expo2020dubai.ae

Image: Sailko