Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport is advancing with Dh13 bn contracts.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed that the contracts are part of a broader effort to meet the airport’s 2032 target.
According to a Dubai Media Office statement, the airport is on schedule to open in 2032, and more than Dh55 bn of contracts will be awarded in the upcoming phase. The development is part of the emirate’s long‑term master plan that envisions a world‑class aviation hub. The master plan outlines phased development that will culminate in the final phase, delivering the full passenger and cargo capacity.
A key enabler of the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, 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.
— Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai
Infrastructure and economic impact
The airport will eventually handle over 260 million passengers a year and 12 million tonnes of air cargo. Its design includes five parallel runways, two passenger terminals, seven concourses and more than 430 aircraft stands. The five parallel runways will operate independently, allowing simultaneous take‑offs and landings, which boosts operational efficiency. An integrated automated people mover will link the terminals, while multimodal connections to rail and road networks aim to streamline travel and freight movement. The integrated APM system will run automatically, moving passengers quickly between terminals without the need for shuttle buses.
Sheikh Hamdan said the project reflects Dubai’s ambitious vision, delivering advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable economic growth, enhances global connectivity and reinforces the emirate’s long‑term competitiveness. He added that the expansion will attract high‑value investments, broaden business activity and create lasting economic opportunities.
Construction phase and future outlook
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports, noted that the transition into a large‑scale construction phase is already underway. Sheikh Ahmed, who also chairs the Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, emphasized that the scale of the contracts reflects confidence in the airport’s long‑term economic contribution. With contracts valued at Dh13 bn currently being executed, preparations are in place to award strategic projects worth more than Dh55 bn in the next stage.
The airport’s capacity and facilities are set to cement Dubai’s role as a global hub for trade, tourism and logistics. The project’s progress underscores Dubai’s commitment to expanding its transport and logistics ecosystem as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. As the construction progresses, the city’s weekend itinerary will soon include tours of the sprawling site, offering a glimpse of the future of aviation in the region.
Frequently asked questions
When will Al Maktoum International Airport open?
Al Maktoum International Airport is on schedule to open in 2032.
How much will Al Maktoum Airport cost to develop?
More than Dh55 billion of contracts will be awarded in the upcoming phase, in addition to the Dh13 billion contracts already under execution.
What is the capacity of Al Maktoum International Airport?
The airport will eventually handle over 260 million passengers a year and 12 million tonnes of air cargo.
How many runways will Al Maktoum Airport have?
The airport's design includes five parallel runways, which will operate independently, allowing simultaneous take-offs and landings.
