Dubai’s leadership has recently approved a massive 128 billion dirham ($35 billion) plan to build a new passenger terminal at the emirate’s Al Maktoum International Airport. This expansion project will make the airport five times bigger than Dubai’s main international airport, and ultimately the largest airport in the world. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the UAE, announced that the new terminal will have the capacity to accommodate up to 260 million passengers, a staggering number compared to the 86.9 million passengers serviced by Dubai International Airport in 2023.
The statement released by Dubai’s leadership highlighted that all operations from Dubai International Airport will eventually be transferred to Al Maktoum International Airport in the coming years. The new airport will boast an impressive 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways. In addition, the expansion project will also introduce new aviation technologies that have never been used in the aviation sector before. The digital renderings of the planned airport showcase futuristic designs and expansive infrastructure, setting a new standard for airport development globally.
The location of the new airport in Dubai South will not only transform the aviation industry but will also lead to the creation of an entirely new city around the airport. This development is expected to generate demand for housing for a million people, further boosting the real estate and logistics sectors in the region. The Dubai ruler emphasized that the new city will attract leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors, positioning Dubai as a global hub for these industries. The project is part of Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033 through increased investment, talent attraction, and economic diversification.
Once completed, Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), will cover an impressive 27 square miles. In addition to its passenger capacity of 260 million annually, the airport aims to handle 12 million tons of cargo per year, making it a key player in global logistics. The first phase of the project is projected to be completed within the next 10 years, with a capacity to accommodate 150 million passengers annually. The expansion plan will not only transform Dubai’s aviation sector but will also contribute to the city’s status as a leading global hub for business, travel, and innovation.
The approval of the expansion plan for Al Maktoum International Airport signals a new era of growth and development for Dubai. The ambitious project will not only enhance the city’s aviation infrastructure but will also drive economic and social progress in the region. With cutting-edge technologies, futuristic designs, and a strategic location, the expanded airport is set to become a key player in the global aviation industry. As Dubai positions itself as the world’s airport, port, urban hub, and global center, the future looks promising for the city and its residents.