Granting contracts for construction of the second runway for Al Maktoum International Airport

The CEO of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation, Eng. Khalifa Al -Zafin, confirmed that the process of developing the Al Maktoum International Airport is proceeding well according to the plan, under the supervision of the Dubai Foundation for Engineering Aviation Projects, the authority in charge of designing and implementing this airport’s strategic strategic program, adding that: Already been granted enabling business contracts and building the second runway.

Al -Zafin said during a press conference held on the sidelines of the airport exhibition in Dubai today, that since the adoption of the main plan for the Al Maktoum International Airport by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God bless him, in April 2024, we started taking decisive steps to implement this strategic national project according to the specified timetable.

He added that many basic projects in the first phase of the project, such as the automated passenger transport system and the luggage handling system, are currently in the tender stage, and the contracts are expected to be granted later this year. In addition, the tender will soon be launched for projects such as the foundation and concrete package project for infrastructure work to expand Al Maktoum International Airport, the sub -power stations project 132 kV, and the central cooling stations project, which paves the way for the next stage of implementation.

Al -Zafin stressed that this ambitious project is the cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agency 2033, as it enhances sustainable economic growth, stimulates innovation, and contributes to enhancing the global competitiveness of Dubai in the field of aviation and other vital sectors in the emirate.

He pointed out that Emirates Airlines on record revenues for the year 2024, which reflects the continuous success and the growing growth in the aviation sector in Dubai. Adding that this achievement highlights the strategic importance of Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be a major factor in supporting the development of the aviation sector in Dubai and enhancing the broader economy of the emirate, which guarantees Dubai to remain in the lead in global aviation in the coming years.

He continued: With our close cooperation with our strategic partners in the aviation sector, and under the technical leadership of the Dubai Foundation for Engineering Aviation Projects, we continue our full commitment to the delivery of Al Maktoum International Airport on time – to be the global future portal that reflects Dubai’s leadership in the aviation sector.

The CEO of Dubai Air City Corporation, Eng. Khalifa Al -Zafin, is witnessing the first phase of the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, tangible progress, since the official announcement issued by the Dubai government in April 2024. This expansion aims to establish Dubai’s position as the largest airline in the world in terms of traveler’s capacity. The first stage includes the construction of a new passenger building along with four buildings for gates (Concourse), to accommodate the large growth in the numbers of passengers.

And that, with the completion of this stage, the airport’s absorptive capacity will increase to about 150 million passengers annually, provided that in the final stage of the project it reaches 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of shipping annually. It is expected to complete the first stage during the next ten years.

He said that Al Maktoum International Airport constitutes an essential strategic element in Dubai’s vision to consolidate its global leadership in the aviation sector. By completing its final stage, the airport will exceed the largest airport in the world in terms of capacity, to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually.

“The airport is located on a strategic location near the port of Jebel Ali and the free zones, which creates a multimedia integrated logistical platform linking air, land and sea transport, which enhances Dubai’s position in trade and global logistical services for future decades. The project is also expected that the project will provide job opportunities and housing for about one million people, and is considered an essential pillar in developing the city of” Dubai South “that represents an integrated model For logistical cities.

And that the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is a major catalyst for the continuous growth in the aviation sector in Dubai. It will provide a greater capacity for flights and airlines, which enhances global communication and meets the increasing demand for air travel.

The project is also in line with the pillars of economic growth set by the Dubai Economic Agency D33, and will contribute directly to the diversification of the emirate’s economy and its enhancement of its flexibility.

And that by providing thousands of job opportunities in major sectors such as construction, aviation, logistics, real estate, tourism, and air freight, the project will support comprehensive development in Dubai. The airport site will also contribute to “Dubai South” to stimulate the surrounding areas and increase the demand for hotels, hotel services and real estate projects, in order to enhance the real estate market in the city.

He said: The airport will strengthen Dubai’s position as a global center for trade and tourism, and will support the growth of the hospitality sector by attracting more international visitors. It will also contribute significantly to the development of air freight operations, and strengthens the role of Dubai as a global center in supply and trade chains, which maintains its pioneering position in international commercial linking.

He stated that Al Maktoum International Airport extends over an area of ​​approximately 70 square kilometers – equivalent to five times Dubai International Airport – and it will include passengers and seven port buildings for gates, with more than 400 aircraft gates to meet the requirements of future growth.

He indicated that one of the most prominent elements of the infrastructure is the automatic transportation system for passengers, which was designed to be built into the airport buildings and at the level of arrival, ensuring the experience of transporting a smooth and high efficiency.

Al -Zafin added: The airport will include advanced technologies that include the use of robots in luggage handling, security inspection, and maintenance work, as well as artificial intelligence systems to improve operational performance. Biometric recognition techniques, smart security systems, and automatic travel procedures will be used to provide a smooth and fast experience for travelers.

He explained that sustainability is a major axis in the airport design, as it aims to obtain a certificate of leadership in energy and environmental design (LED) from the golden category, by applying environmentally friendly solutions that include the use of clean energy, water provision, and waste management in sustainable ways, with the aim of reaching carbon neutrality and reducing the environmental impact.

He said that thanks to these innovative technologies and its commitment to sustainability, Al Maktoum International Airport will be a global model in developing infrastructure and travelers’ experience.

He made it clear that the transfer from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport will be through a comprehensive transfer process for all operations, which are carried out at one time in an integrated and thoughtful manner, in order to avoid operational challenges and ensure the continuity of a smooth travel experience for travelers without any interruption. As the implementation of the transition in stages may lead to a complexity in the operations and negatively affect the efficiency of operation and the level of service, and therefore the option of the full transition was adopted at a unified timing as the most appropriate operational and organizational aspect.

He pointed out that the decision of the future of Dubai International Airport after moving to Al Maktoum International Airport is due to the government and the leadership of the emirate, which will determine the most appropriate path based on strategic directions and national priorities in the aviation sector.

Al -Zafin said: We are currently working on implementing a group of active initiatives to address traffic congestion on the Dubai Airport road, until the move to Al Maktoum International Airport. These initiatives include operational and other technical procedures, in full coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai and the rest of the partners, and a package of immediate and medium -term solutions has been agreed to reduce congestion significantly.

He stated that all urgent solutions have already been implemented, and contributed to improving the flow of movement. A number of medium -range solutions have also been adopted, which will be implemented soon, and its positive impact will appear during the coming period. We will continue to monitor the traffic situation jointly with the Roads and Transport Authority, and we will take the necessary measures in a timely manner, as part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure easy access to Dubai International Airport.