Designs have been approved for a AED335 million ($91.2 million) Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) building that will cater to the needs of hosting the Expo 2020, according to UAE state news agency WAM.

The model design of the Enterprise Command & Control Center (EC3) was endorsed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed issued directives to speed up construction to deliver the building on time, so as to manage public transport systems required for the Expo 2020.

The centre will act as a unified platform linking various control centres of the RTA’s operational agencies such as the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public transport, taxis, and traffic systems.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the RTA, said the centre is set to be one of Dubai’s landmark buildings.

“The EC3 has a span of 6,996 square meters, and consists of a ground floor and five stories with a total floor area of 10,900 square meters,” he said.

“The central control room covers an area of 430 square meters and rises 13 meters in height. The facility comprises of office spaces, auditorium, press centre and four utility buildings. The EC3 will conform to the green building codes and will be qualified for the Green Buildings Certification – Gold Rating.”

Al Tayer went on to explain that the centre will streamline the integration of crises management operations, event planning and management as well as mobility during mega events such as the Expo 2020.