Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport rendering
Gold cars can be found on the streets of Dubai where the world’s tallest building, the Burj, stands tall. The United Arab Emirates has unveiled plans to construct the world’s largest airport, five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport. This bold endeavor is sure to catch the attention of neighboring Saudi Arabia, currently developing the massive NEOM project.
Dubai is already a key transit point for travelers heading to the Far East. With the upcoming Al Maktoum Airport project, Dubai is set to become the new aviation hub akin to Atlanta. Interestingly, more visitors currently flock to the Dubai Mall than to religious sites like Mecca, Jerusalem, and Rome combined. Hopefully, future tourists will also explore the UAE’s natural wonders.
A rendering of the new airport
The ambitious project will be the new home for Emirates airline and its budget carrier Flydubai, as well as other airline partners connecting Dubai to the rest of the world, according to Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.
The airport will boast an impressive 400 aircraft gates and 5 parallel runways to handle the anticipated air traffic.
This strategic move “further solidifies Dubai’s position as a leading aviation hub on the world stage,” as stated by Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths.
UAE leaders are optimistic that the Al Maktoum Airport expansion will drive real estate growth in Dubai, especially in Dubai South. Sheikh Mohammed of the UAE, who approved the airport project, envisions a bustling city around the airport in the southern part of Dubai, attracting leading logistics and air transport companies.
A strong commitment to sustainability, aiming for LEED Gold certification, is promised for the new airport.
Construction is set to commence soon, with the first phase expected to be completed within the next decade. The project is projected to generate employment and housing demands for over a million individuals, highlighting the importance of fair labor practices for all involved.
