All major design elements of the site for Expo 2020 Dubai have been completed, with construction “well advanced” on three theme districts that form the core of the site, according to an update from organisers.

In a statement, Expo 2020 Dubai said that the foundations of the three districts are complete, with buildings currently being built.

To date, over 14.5 million work hours have been completed at the site, with 6,100 cubic meters of concrete laid each week. Additionally, a total of 85 kilometres of pipe have already been laid for site infrastructure works.

UAE-based companies have taken a lead role in the construction effort, including Al-Futtaim Carillion, Khansaheb, Besix, Arabtec, Tristar Engineering and Al Naboodah Construction.

The three theme districts, which are being developed by Al Futtaim Carillion, are “progressing well”, the statement noted. External cladding work has begun and is slated for completion by the end of 2018.

Additionally, construction of the Sustainability Pavilion, which was designed by Grimshaw Architects, is “well underway and due to be completed by October 2019.”

In 2017, $294 million (AED10.8bn) of Expo construction contracts were awarded, as well as $112m (AED411m) of non-construction contracts.

Expo has also announced that is aims to sell 5,000 types of official licensed products through its official Expo 2020 Merchandising and Licensing Programme. During the event, items will be sold at a 3,000 square-metre ‘Superstore of the Future’.

While the tendering process is still ongoing, products under way including facilities management, food and beverage, fragrances and luxury items.

A total of 170 countries have committed to take part in the Expo.