London architects Weston Williamson+Partners (WW+P) have won a contract worth £2.2bn (US$2.8bn, €2.5bn) to build a new “legacy” rail link across Dubai in time for the emirate to host the 2020 World Expo.

The Dubai Metro 2020 will form a 15km route between Nakheel Harbour & Tower and the world fair site. The line will connect many of Dubai’s most popular mixed-use and leisure developments, including The Gardens, Discovery Gardens and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

WW+P, along with global engineer CH2M, designed seven new stations, including a dramatic wing-shaped terminus building, for the international ’Route 2020’ rail link competition.

The pair, who overcame competition from 10 rival bids, will work with rail transport company Alstom and construction firms Acciona and Gulermack to develop the project.

“This is a remarkable win which builds on our relationship with CH2M forged over 15 years,” said studio partner Chris Williamson. “Dubai is a superbly dynamic city. This is a great chance to be a part of its expansion, particularly to contribute to the vast public transport opportunities by creating a proud legacy for the people”.

Dubai World Expo 2020 has been billed as one of the most important private sector events in the recent history of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai. The Expo site is expected to host more than 25 million visitors and feature pavilions representing 180 countries during its six month run.

The organisers of the festival – which will be themed Connecting Minds, Creating the Future – have stepped up their planning in recent weeks and months. Architects Bjarke Ingels, Foster + Partners, Grimshaw and Santiago Calatrava have been commissioned to create pavilions, and the Dubai government has revealed its intention to reuse more than 80 per cent of the 4.38sq km (1.69sq m) Expo site after the event for an ecosystem of leisure, business and infrastructure sectors.