Latest news with #AlMaktoumInternationalAirport
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate: BT Properties launches ‘WAADA', a master-planned community in Dubai South
Pakistan-based BT Properties has announced the launch of its flagship development project, 'WAADA' – a master-planned community in Dubai. The project marked the expansion of the company into the UAE market. Situated in Dubai South, minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 legacy district, 'WAADA' will be an exquisite development that integrates architecture, sustainability, and livability, the company said. Malik Riaz Hussain, Chairman & Founder, BT Properties, said the company's mission is to transform lives, restore dignity, and give people a sense of belonging. 'As this legacy expands into Dubai through WAADA, our purpose remains unchanged: to build not just structures, but futures,' he said. The development includes a diverse mix of property types – from signature mansions and mid-rise residences to townhouses and skyline apartments.
28-05-2025
- Business
Himatrix Group Opens AED33 Million Research and Training Centre in Dubai Industrial City
Himatrix Group has officially opened phase one of its AED33 million application laboratory, research, and training centre at Dubai Industrial City, marking a major milestone in the company's regional and global expansion plans. Spanning 45,000 square feet, the new facility is strategically positioned to tap into Dubai Industrial City's proximity to key logistics hubs, including Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the upcoming Etihad Rail freight terminal. The centre will serve as a base for Himatrix Group's 100-strong workforce and support its recruitment of additional specialists to drive innovation across its operations. Himatrix Group, which includes subsidiaries such as Himatrix Measurements Equipment's and Icpro Technologies, aims to use the new hub to strengthen partnerships with global leaders in instrumentation engineering. These include Radwag, Sciex, Ametek, Kruss, and Wipotec. Nadeer Ali, Founder and Managing Director of Himatrix Group, said the facility will enhance service quality across multiple industries, particularly pharmaceuticals, by offering advanced solutions in metrology, analytical science, and physical testing. Dubai Industrial City officials welcomed the investment, highlighting its alignment with national strategies like Operation 300bn and the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'. Saud Abu Alshawareb, speaking on behalf of the district, said the facility showcases confidence in Dubai's industrial ecosystem and reinforces efforts to expand the UAE's manufacturing capabilities. Established in 2004, Dubai Industrial City is home to more than 800 companies and over 300 operational factories. It is one of 10 business districts under TECOM Group PJSC, supporting key sectors across the UAE's economic landscape. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Time Out Dubai
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai South to get Dhs150 million stormwater drainage system
Dubai is set to get a new Dhs150 million stormwater drainage project. As part of an agreement for Dubai South, the new system aims to improve stormwater and surface runoff in the event of heavy rain in that part of the city. In April 2024, the UAE was hit by the worst rainfall in its history. Since then, the national and local governments have ramped up projects to prevent the damage caused by storms. Part of the wider Tasreef flood prevention project, the latest announcement for Dubai South will see extra measures brought in to minimise flooding risks. Dubai South is undergoing significant development amid plans to eventually move all Dubai International Airport operations to Al Maktoum International Airport. Heavy rain and flooding have previously caused flights to be cancelled, diverted and delayed at DXB airport. Credit: @trtworld (X) The plans for the Dubai South stormwater drainage system aim to minimise flooding risks and safeguard roads, buildings and public assets. And, as a result, it will contribute to a safer, more sustainable environment for residents and visitors alike. A new secondary stormwater tunnel will be constructed, which will connect Dubai South's drainage network to Dubai Municipality's deep tunnel system via Expo Road. Tasreef is a long-term stormwater drainage development programme led by Dubai Municipality, with an estimated value of Dhs30 billion. Scheduled for completion by 2033, the project will extend coverage to all areas of the emirate, increasing the network's drainage capacity by 700 per cent to manage over 20 million cubic metres of water per day. Dubai Municipality has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dubai South worth AED 150 million to develop an advanced stormwater drainage system in Dubai South's residential district. The initiative forms part of the broader Tasreef project and supports Dubai's commitment… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 22, 2025 Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, explained that improving stormwater drainage in Dubai is a priority. He said: 'Developing infrastructure in the emirate of Dubai, particularly stormwater drainage, remains one of Dubai Municipality's strategic priorities. 'This project reflects our integrated approach to managing surface water systems and reinforces our commitment to linking all areas of the emirate through a unified network of deep tunnels. 'These efforts fall under the Tasreef programme, the largest and most efficient initiative of its kind in the region, which aims to develop stormwater drainage networks for the next 100 years.' Looking for things to do in Dubai? All the sports events in Dubai in 2025 to sign up for Make 2025 the year of your PBs 50 brilliant outdoor activities to try at least once in Dubai Let's take this outside The incredible Dubai hotels offering more than just a room Did someone say freebies?
Time Out Dubai
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
VFS Global opens world's largest visa application centre in Dubai
The world's largest visa application centre has officially opened in Dubai. Headed up by VFS Global, the new centre serves a whopping 37 governments and can handle up to 10,000 visa applications every day. With Dubai International Airport being the world's busiest international airport and plans for the even bigger Al Maktoum International Airport in the pipeline, the application centre should make it easier to travel outbound from the UAE. Based in a 150,000 square foot space in Dubai's Wafi City, the centre has a team of more than 400 trained professionals hailing from 25 different nations capable of helping applicants fill in the right forms to get their visa granted. Travel abroad can be restrictive depending on the passport, with some granting visa-free travel to more locations than others. This centre will help streamline the process of visa approval for many living in the emirate. (Credit: VFS Global) Tech-enabled self-service kiosks, secure lockers, photo booths and photocopy stations will help those who have last-minute needs. Touchscreen info kiosks, QR code-based check-ins and automated feedback at each visa desk will help visitors out with their applications. This smart system, paired with electronic displays and mobile updates, aims to minimise wait times and optimise applicant flow. Airport-style navigation with clear signage, spacious waiting areas, buggy services, dedicated prayer rooms and kids' play areas have all been provided for those who need them. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, says that the new visa centre will also help the emirate attract more talent. He said: 'This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. 'As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. 'Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world's most connected and future-ready city.' In total, VFS Global serves 40 countries in the UAE, including China, Japan, the Philippines, the UK and many European destinations. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, says that the centre reflects Dubai's extensive multicultural population. He said: 'In line with the rapid development of Dubai, today we are pleased to launch the world's largest Visa Application Centre, serving over 200 nationalities in this Year of Community. 'Working closely with Emirati Entrepreneurs and Emirati Artists, the centre captures and reflects the multicultural fabric of the country that we are proud to call our Global Headquarters.' Jetting off soon? Travelling for Eid Al Adha? This is the best day to find a cheap flight deal An expert reveals all New Emirates flights from Dubai for 2025 Will you be jetting off soon? New flydubai flights from Dubai for 2025 Your holiday plans sorted
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Airport will close as Al Maktoum races to completion; what is DXB's future?
With the first phase of new Al Maktoum International Airport set for completion by 2032, the closure of Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been officially confirmed. This transition has already sparked widespread discussion about the future of the DXB site, with experts highlighting its immense potential for redevelopment. 'Any redevelopment plan must be rooted in a data-driven understanding of Dubai's evolving urban needs, demographic trends, and mobility patterns,' said Dr Rana Shakaa, visiting Assistant Professor in the Urban Planning Programme at American University of Sharjah. 'A forward-looking plan would focus on creating a low-carbon, mixed-use district that integrates technology not for its own sake, but to serve environmental sustainability, equitable access, and quality of life," she added. The idea of transforming the DXB site gained further attention during last week's Arabian Travel Market, where Paul Griffiths, CEO of DXB, confirmed that redevelopment of the area is a key focus. 'We're right up against Sharjah in the north,' he noted, 'so redeveloping the area could help spread the city out and potentially ease current traffic challenges. ' He also acknowledged strong interest from real estate developers, adding that many are eager to reimagine the site's future. Highlighting the scale of the opportunity, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, Deputy Head of Sales – Secondary at Metropolitan Premium Properties, pointed out the vast size and strategic location of the site. 'With more than 29 sq km of land, there's significant potential for a mixed-use transformation that combines residential, commercial, hospitality, and public spaces,' he said. 'Market trends, Dubai's population growth, economic diversification, and established infrastructure will all shape how the area evolves. And finally, the area's existing infrastructure and transport links make it a strong candidate for large-scale development.' A model for desert cities According to Phillip Dunn, Senior Manager of Sustainability, Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, the site offers a rare opportunity to reimagine what urban regeneration in an arid city can look like. 'It should be transformed into a climate-resilient, biodiverse, and inclusive urban nature district — a model for desert cities globally,' he said. 'This could include public spaces and rewilded zones designed for improving wellbeing and climate adaptation like cooling the city, capturing carbon, hosting diverse life, all the while providing benefits to our human health with nature as therapy." "It could also have a 'Living Lab' for urban biodiversity, sustainability technologies, and citizen science— similar to Terra —where community engagement, research, and innovation converge," he added. Dunn also stressed the importance of integrating nature with urban life — prioritising walkability, public transit, and a variety of housing options, particularly for mid- and low-income residents. Dr Rana added that it was also important to not 'overlook its past' as one of the world's longest-operating airports and that preserving architectural traces and 'experiential elements of the airport' was important. 'Powerful catalyst' Some real estate developers called the opportunity a 'win' situation. 'This initiative is a win on every level — urban, economic, and environmental,' said Tatiana Tonu, CEO at Object 1. 'The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is a powerful catalyst for urban development in Dubai, unlocking significant growth potential across the real estate sector.' She gave the example of the former Tempelhof Airport in Berlin, where the shift of operations led to the repurposing of vast airport land for residential and public development. 'In that case, as in Dubai's, freeing up urban land for livable spaces marked a turning point in city planning,' she said.
