Dubai has announced the commencement of construction on a huge airport terminal. The new terminal is to become the largest in the world upon completion. The project is by Dubai’s Prime Minister and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to elevate the city-state’s status as a leading aviation center and urban hub. With an estimated cost of $35 billion.
Also Read: Venice Becomes the First City to Charge Entry Fee for Tourists
The Al Maktoum International Airport terminal will dwarf its previous airport standing five times the size of the current International Airport. This structure is projected to accommodate a 260 million passengers annually.
The decision to transition all operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport shows the vision for the future.
Sheikh Mohammed addresses the importance of this transition envisioning an integration of cutting-edge aviation infrastructure with urban development.
The scale of the Al Maktoum International Airport project is beyond aviation, heralding the creation of an entire city around the airport in Dubai South.
With housing for a million people on the horizon, Dubai is to become an urban center, attracting leading companies in logistics and air transport sectors.
This urban planning initiative shows the country’s approach to development, integrating infrastructure, commerce, and residential spaces to foster a sustainable ecosystem.
With a design inspired by the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. Featuring five parallel runways and an array of 400 aircraft gates.
The Al Maktoum International Airport envisioned as the cornerstone of the country’s future urban development is to revolutionize air travel with its capacity to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually.
This undertaking represents a fivefold increase in size compared to the existing International Airport.
Sheikh Mohammed addressed that the transition of all operations from Dubai International Airport to the state-of-the-art Al Maktoum International Airport will be executed over the coming years. This relocation is to streamline operations and alleviate the strain on existing aviation facilities.
Also Read: Take-Two Interactive to Lay off 5% of Workforce
“As we embark on this transformative project, we are laying the foundation for future generations, guaranteeing sustained and robust development for our progeny,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
“Dubai is poised to emerge as the preeminent global center, encompassing not only aviation but also commerce, logistics, and urban development.”
The scope of the Al Maktoum International Airport is beyond its role as a transportation hub with plans in place to establish an entire city around the facility in South.
This visionary initiative is expected to spur demand for housing, accommodating up to a million residents and catalyzing economic growth in the region.
The architectural marvel of the new terminal will feature five parallel runways and an array of 400 aircraft gates setting new standards for operational efficiency and passenger convenience.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, hailed the development as a moment in aviation history. “The evolution of Dubai’s aviation landscape mirrors the dynamic growth trajectory of the emirate itself,” said Griffiths.
“This visionary project will solidify Dubai’s position as a global leader in aviation and drive sustainable economic development for years to come.”
Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest for international travel has experienced exponential growth in recent years, surpassing pre-pandemic passenger levels and reaffirming its status as a transit hub.
The record of nearly 87 million passengers in the past year show the need for expanded infrastructure to accommodate demand.
Also Read: TikTok Testing AI Avatars for Video Ads
