DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — As Dubai continues to expand, so too does its infrastructure to support the city’s ambitious goals. With the announcement of the Al Maktoum International Airport, located in the heart of Dubai South, a key question on everyone’s mind is: where will this massive new development be located, and when will it be operational? Below, we detail everything known so far about Dubai’s upcoming mega-airport and how it promises to revolutionise air travel in the region.
The importance of air travel for Dubai
Air travel is a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) handling a staggering 86.9 million passengers in 2022, making it the busiest international hub for the 10th consecutive year. As part of Dubai’s ambitious D33 economic agenda, the city aims to boost these numbers significantly, attracting an additional $27 billion (Dh100 billion) in tourism investments. However, with DXB located less than three miles from the city center, its ability to expand is limited by surrounding residential developments and highways.
Enter Al Maktoum International Airport—the answer to Dubai’s need for a larger, more future-proof airport that will support the city’s rapidly growing tourism and logistics sectors.
Al-Maktoum’s location and size
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is located around 20 miles southwest of Dubai, strategically placed to allow for expansion without the restrictions that DXB faces. Opened in 2010 for cargo flights, Al Maktoum Airport is now being expanded to become the world’s largest aviation hub.
When completed, the airport will cover 27 square miles, making it five times the size of Dubai International Airport (DXB). To put this into perspective, DXB is already the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, and Al Maktoum will exceed its capacity exponentially.
Intense cargo capacity and passenger load
Once fully operational, Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to handle 260 million passengers annually, more than any other airport in the world. To achieve this, the airport will feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates. In terms of cargo, it will manage 12 million tonnes per year, positioning Dubai as a key player in global logistics.
Dubai’s ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has called it a “futuristic mega-airport” and emphasised that it will fully replace DXB within the next ten years, cementing Dubai’s role as a global hub for air travel.
What are the costs?
With construction underway, the price tag for this massive project is already astronomical. As of June 2024, the estimated cost for Al Maktoum International Airport has reached $34.8 billion (Dh128 billion), making it the most expensive airport project in the world. This significant investment underscores Dubai’s long-term vision of becoming the world’s leading aviation and logistics hub.
Visionary architecture
The futuristic design of Al Maktoum International Airport is being led by London-based Leslie Jones Architecture, a firm renowned for its innovative airport designs worldwide, including London’s Heathrow Terminal 5 and Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
The architectural renderings show a sleek, undulating white canopy over the terminal, integrating green oases and palm trees within the design—an ode to Dubai’s desert heritage while embracing its modern vision. This cutting-edge design is not only aesthetic but also highly functional, aimed at maximizing passenger flow and efficiency.
The airport will also include luxury shopping complexes, hotels, and dedicated facilities for executive, private, and royal jets, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global luxury destination.
A timeline of events
While the entire project is expected to take at least ten years to complete, the first phase of the airport’s development will allow it to accommodate 150 million passengers annually. As construction progresses, the airport will gradually increase capacity until it reaches its target of 260 million passengers.
Economic, urban impact on Dubai
The development of Al Maktoum International Airport is more than just an aviation project; it’s the foundation for an entire new urban center. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has outlined plans for an “airport city” that will house up to one million people and create thousands of jobs in the logistics and air transport sectors.
This new city will serve as a global hub for businesses, particularly in logistics and transportation, attracting leading international companies to establish their headquarters in the region. The airport city is expected to include residential, commercial, and industrial developments, all built around the massive infrastructure of Al Maktoum International Airport.
How the airport will transform global travel
With its enormous capacity, cutting-edge technology, and strategic location, Al Maktoum International Airport is set to revolutionise the way passengers and cargo move across the globe. The airport will be fully integrated with Dubai’s existing transportation networks, including the Dubai Metro and highways, providing seamless connectivity for passengers arriving from around the world.
Moreover, the airport’s immense capacity will allow Dubai to host even more international events, attracting millions of visitors and reinforcing the city’s role as a major player on the global stage.
Dubai South as an investment
Home to Al Maktoum International Airport and surrounded by various logistics facilities, Dubai South is a prime location for companies in aviation, logistics, and transport sectors. As the airport expands to handle more passengers and cargo, demand for nearby commercial real estate is expected to grow, offering investors a chance to capitalize on the booming logistics industry.
Dubai South presents an exciting investment opportunity, especially for those looking for affordable entry points into the Dubai real estate market. With its strategic location, excellent connectivity, and free zone benefits, the area has strong long-term growth potential. However, it’s essential to take a long-term view and understand that the area is still in development, which may mean slower returns in the short term.
If you’re an investor with patience and a focus on the future, Dubai South offers an opportunity to get in early on a rising star in the UAE’s property market. For those looking to tap into Dubai’s growing sectors—such as logistics, aviation, or trade—it may just be the ideal investment destination.
Investing in Dubai South could be a smart move for those looking to take advantage of the area’s strategic location, free zone benefits, and growing infrastructure. While it may not provide immediate high returns, the long-term potential is significant, particularly as Dubai South continues to develop and attract more residents, businesses, and global attention. Whether you’re investing in residential or commercial properties, Dubai South offers a promising future for investors willing to wait for the area’s full potential to be realised.
