Mohammed Bin Rashid Approves Designs for World's Largest Passenger Terminal at DWC

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the strategic plan of the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and approved designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the largest in the world when fully operational.

Set to be built at a cost of AED128 billion, the new terminal will ultimately enable the airport to handle a passenger capacity of 260 million annually.

Sheikh Mohammed announced the approval of designs for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, with construction set to begin as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation's strategy. With a staggering cost of AED128 billion, the airport aims to become the world's largest with a capacity of up to 260 million passengers, surpassing Dubai International Airport by fivefold.

The ambitious project includes 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways, integrating new aviation technologies. Surrounding the airport, Dubai South will host a city accommodating a million people and leading companies in logistics and air transport. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Dubai's commitment to future generations, envisioning it as a global aviation, maritime, and urban hub.

Master plan reviewed

Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the master plan for the Airport of the Future, which, upon full development, will emerge as the world’s largest airport, covering an expansive area of 70 square kilometres. The airport will have an ultimate capacity exceeding 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum.

During the event, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the key design features and strategic implementation plan for the airport.

Commenting on the occasion, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed stated,

“With the continuous support and blessings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and in keeping with his vision for the Aviation industry in Dubai, we announce the commencement of the design and construction process for the new airport at Jebel Ali. It is expected that the first phase of the project will be ready within a period of 10 years, with a capacity to accommodate 150 million passengers annually.”

Addressing anticipated growth

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed emphasised,

“The new airport, which will ultimately be over five times the size of Dubai International, will prepare the ground for the next 40 years of anticipated growth in Dubai’s aviation sector. It will respond to the Hub Airline ambitious plans in terms of fleet acquisition and passenger growth. The airport will provide cutting-edge technologies, passenger facilities with unmatched level of service, and state-of-the-art aviation support facilities.

“Al Maktoum International (AMI) is planned in such a way as to represent a leap into the future. It will comprise of five parallel runways with a quadruple independent operation, west and east processing terminals, four satellite concourses with over 400 aircraft contact stands, uninterrupted automated people mover system for passengers, and an integrated landside transport hub for roads, Metro, and city air transport.

While embracing sustainability, Al Maktoum International will strongly contribute to mitigate environmental emissions, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainably built environment. Its integrated approach is targeted to leverage local resources and climatic conditions achieving exemplary efficiency targets and sustainability goals. AMI aims to achieve a LEED Gold Certification.”

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, highlighted the economic benefits of the project.

“The development of this new airport will be an integral part of Dubai’s economy and major contributor to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). It will generate estimated workforce and residential requirement for over a million people living and working in Dubai South (the aerotropolis), which has been under development and operation since 2007,”

he said.

Suzanne Al Anani, CEO of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, said,

“Dubai spearheads again. With the determination to maintain its leading role in the aviation sector globally, this airport development will represent a completely new approach to the concept of airports. The exponential acceleration of technologies and the abundance of knowledge in innovation will make us reinvent the passenger journey and experience.

“Connectivity and accessibility are also prioritised in coordination with our strategic partners, ensuring efficient public transportation links and a reduced reliance on private transport, which supports the reduction of the project’s carbon footprint.”

News Source: Emirates News Agency