Al Maktoum Airport 2032 launch: Dubai lines up Dh55bn in contracts
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Dubai is preparing to award more than Dh55 billion in contracts for the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport as work accelerates on what is set to become the world's largest aviation hub.
Officials said the airport development has entered a major construction phase, with contracts worth Dh13 billion already under execution and additional packages scheduled for award before the end of the year.
Once completed, Al Maktoum International Airport will be capable of handling 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The facility is expected to become the future home of Emirates airline and eventually replace Dubai International Airport.
The airport's first operational phase is scheduled to begin in 2032.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said the project would strengthen Dubai's transport and logistics sector while creating long-term economic opportunities.
“The Al Maktoum International Airport project will expand the aviation sector’s capacity and enhance the efficiency of the emirate’s transport and logistics ecosystem”, he said.
“This will attract high-value investments, broaden business activity, and create sustainable economic opportunities that will support Dubai’s development for decades to come”.
The master plan includes five parallel runways, two passenger terminals and seven concourses connected to more than 430 aircraft stands.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, described the airport as one of Dubai's most significant long-term infrastructure projects.
“Al Maktoum International Airport is one of the most significant strategic projects shaping Dubai’s economic future”, he said.
“Upon completion, Al Maktoum International Airport will serve as a key pillar in advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for trade, tourism, logistics, and international connectivity”.
Construction activity has intensified across the site, with more than 17,000 concrete piles installed, over 45 million cubic metres of excavation completed and a second runway already finished.
More than 10 million work hours have been recorded during the past 15 months.
The on-site workforce currently stands at about 9,000 workers and is expected to rise to 120,000 during peak construction periods.
Upcoming contract awards include substructure works for the Western Passenger Terminal, construction of a fourth aircraft concourse and structural works covering approximately 1.5 million square metres.
Alongside the airport expansion, authorities are carrying out upgrades at Dubai International Airport, including improvements to Terminal 3 access, road infrastructure serving Terminals 1 and 3 and airfield enhancement projects designed to increase operational flexibility.