Dubai: The Dubai Government affirmed that work on the first phase of the Al Maktoum International Airport development project is proceeding in line with approved timelines, with significant progress across key development packages and preparations completed for the tendering and award of future contracts. The project remains on course to commence operations in 2032, in accordance with its long-term master plan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the project has achieved major milestones across multiple delivery streams, including enabling works, runway infrastructure, and the initial structural foundations for passenger terminals and gates. The progress underscores the scale and momentum of one of Dubai's most strategic infrastructure projects, which is set to play a vital role in supporting the emirate's future growth and global connectivity.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, commended the team leading the strategic project under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Chairman of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said the development of Al Maktoum International Airport reflects Dubai's ambitious vision, delivered through advanced infrastructure that will support sustainable economic growth, enhance global connectivity, and reinforce the emirate's long-term competitiveness.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan further said that the project represents a strategic investment in Dubai's future and a pivotal step with far-reaching positive impact on the emirate's sustainable development journey. He noted that the project forms part of an integrated vision aimed at anticipating future growth requirements, providing advanced infrastructure capable of keeping pace with global transformations, and enhancing Dubai's readiness to harness emerging economic opportunities across vital sectors.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized that the Al Maktoum International Airport development project continues to advance steadily, having entered a large-scale construction phase. 'Al Maktoum International Airport is one of the most significant strategic projects shaping Dubai's economic future. It embodies our leadership's long-term vision of investing in world-class infrastructure capable of accommodating the rapid growth in travel, trade, and logistics,' he said. He added that contracts valued at AED13 billion are currently under execution, with preparations underway to award strategic projects worth more than AED55 billion during the next phase.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of Dubai Finance, stated that the Al Maktoum International Airport project represents a key pillar of the Dubai Government's strategy to strengthen financial sustainability. He noted that the project reflects the leadership's commitment to long-term investment in high-quality infrastructure, supporting public financial sustainability, stimulating economic growth across multiple strategic sectors, and enhancing Dubai's ability to anticipate and capitalise on future transformations and opportunities.
Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, highlighted that Al Maktoum International Airport is a transformative project that will serve as the cornerstone of Dubai's aviation future. He emphasized ongoing efforts to develop a fully integrated operating model capable of accommodating anticipated growth in passenger and cargo traffic over the coming decades.
Engineer Suzanne Al Anani, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, affirmed that construction works at Al Maktoum International Airport are advancing at an accelerated pace, with the value of packages currently under execution exceeding AED13 billion. She added that ongoing works include the installation of more than 17,000 concrete piles and excavation works exceeding 45 million cubic metres.
Al Maktoum International Airport is set to become the world's largest aviation hub, with an annual capacity exceeding 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of air cargo upon completion of its final phase. The airport will feature five parallel runways operating independently, two passenger terminals, and seven concourses connected to more than 430 aircraft stands. The airport will also incorporate an integrated APM system and seamless multimodal connectivity linking air, rail, and road transport networks.
Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects continues to implement a comprehensive programme to develop and modernise the aviation sector's existing infrastructure, including both Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. The programme encompasses a range of ongoing and future projects, including expansion and modernisation efforts to support flydubai's operations and accommodate its fleet expansion plans.
A total budget of AED16 billion has been allocated to these projects, with contracts worth more than AED7.5 billion already awarded. This reflects the steady progress being achieved across the development programme and underscores Dubai's continued commitment to investing in world-class aviation infrastructure to support future growth and maintain its global leadership in the sector.