Latest news with #DubaiAviationCityCorporation
Hi Dubai
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Al Maktoum International Airport to Begin Operations by 2032
New Dh1-billion runway contract marks major milestone in developing the world's largest airport. Dubai's aviation landscape is set for a dramatic transformation as Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) moves closer to becoming the new aviation hub of the emirate. The first phase of the mega airport is scheduled for completion by 2032, with the capacity to handle 150 million passengers annually. Once operational, DWC will begin taking over all flight operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB), according to a top official. New Runway and Groundwork Underway Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, made the announcement on Thursday during the Airport Show in Dubai. He revealed that a Dh1-billion contract has been awarded for the construction of a second runway at DWC. Enabling work—often the initial step in large-scale construction—has already begun, with an additional Dh75 million allocated to this preparatory phase. 'We are moving decisively to deliver the project on schedule,' Al Zaffin said, noting that design work is in progress and ground activity has started. A Technological Marvel in the Making The airport, which has been described as the 'most futuristic' in the world, will feature cutting-edge technology and a passenger-centric design. Once complete, DWC will cover 70 square kilometers—five times the size of DXB—and will eventually serve up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Plans include two main passenger terminals, seven concourses, and over 400 aircraft gates. The airport will also introduce AI-powered systems to optimize operations, including automated gate allocations and smarter terminal layouts for smoother passenger transfers. Redefining the Travel Experience Beyond its size, DWC is being designed as a travel destination in itself. According to Al Zaffin, the terminal will feature immersive retail experiences, advanced duty-free outlets, and robots handling baggage. 'There is going to be a giant terminal for arrivals and departures which will then lead to different concourses,' he said. 'It's going to be a place where travel is celebrated.' The design process involved reviewing multiple iterations to ensure both efficiency and elegance in passenger flow and airport experience. Smart Immigration and Seamless Travel In collaboration with government authorities, Dubai plans to implement a smart corridor that allows passengers to clear immigration in seconds. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, had previously hinted at these advancements. Al Zaffin confirmed the vision but noted that certain features, like borderless travel, may take longer to fully realize. 'The plan is to have an airport where people can move through without customs and immigration,' he said. 'How much of it we do at the test stage and how much we do later remains to be seen.' A Phased Shift from DXB to DWC Last month, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, confirmed the awarding of initial contracts for DWC's development. Once operational, DWC will gradually take over all flight operations from DXB, positioning Dubai at the forefront of global aviation innovation and capacity. With its mix of scale, advanced technology, and passenger-first design, Al Maktoum International is poised to reshape how the world travels through Dubai. News Source: Khaleej Times
Arabian Business
08-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Major progress at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport: Contracts awarded, AI, biometric and robot services planned, 260m passenger target
Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is progressing well and has seen contracts awarded and tenders prepared for the major transport hub, according to a senior aviation official. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), said that the Al Maktoum International Airport development project has seen tangible progress since the master plan was approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in April 2024. Speaking on the final day of the Airport Show 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Zaffin explained that contracts for enabling works and the construction of the second runway have already been awarded. Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai Other strategic projects, such as the automated people mover system and baggage handling system, have entered the tender phase, with contracts expected to be awarded later this year. He added that the upcoming phase will include tenders for vital infrastructure works such as foundations and concrete works, central cooling stations, and 132 kV substations. He confirmed that the project is proceeding on schedule under the supervision of the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation. Al Zaffin emphasised that Al Maktoum International Airport is one of the most strategic projects under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and it will enhance the emirate's position as a global hub for aviation, logistics, and sustainable economy. He noted that Emirates Airlines' record revenues for 2024 reflect ongoing sector growth and underscore the importance of future infrastructure. Al Zaffin outlined the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of a passenger terminal and four concourses. This will raise the airport's capacity to 150m passengers annually, eventually reaching 260m passengers and 12m tons of cargo in the final phase. He confirmed that the airport's location near Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone helps establish an integrated multimodal logistics platform supporting 'Dubai South,' offering living and employment opportunities for around one million people. The project is also expected to stimulate the local economy by creating thousands of jobs and boosting sectors such as real estate, tourism, hospitality, air freight, and global supply chains. Al Zaffin noted that the 70sq km airport will include more than 400 aircraft gates, an automated transport system, and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and biometric identification, all implemented with a strong commitment to sustainability and a target of achieving LEED Gold certification. Regarding the transition from Dubai International Airport, he explained that the move will take place in an integrated and simultaneous manner to avoid operational disruptions. The executive transition program is currently being coordinated with all relevant stakeholders. He also highlighted that short- and medium-term solutions are being implemented to address traffic congestion around Dubai International Airport in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). These efforts have already resulted in noticeable improvements in traffic flow, with further steps planned to ensure accessibility until the full transition to Al Maktoum International Airport is completed.
Trade Arabia
08-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Al Maktoum Airport work on schedule, key contracts soon
The development of the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) in Dubai is progressing well and major contracts are likely to be awarded this year, said Eng Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation. "Since the official endorsement of the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) master plan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April 2024, and in full alignment with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, we have been moving decisively to deliver this strategic national project on schedule. Led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), the entity entrusted with the design and execution of this transformative airport programme, contracts have already been awarded for the site enabling works and the construction of the second runway, he said at a press conference at the Airport Show in Dubai. Several major packages required for the first phase of the project — including the Automated People Mover (APM) and the Baggage Handling System (BHS) — are currently in the tendering stage, with contracts expected to be awarded later this year. Additionally, the terminal substructure, early 132kV substations, and district cooling plants are the next packages to be tendered this year, laying the foundation for the subsequent phases of delivery. This ambitious project is a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, driving long-term economic growth, fostering innovation, and reinforcing Dubai's global competitiveness in aviation and beyond, said Eng Al Zaffin. AMIA will serve as a key enabler of progress for Dubai's aviation sector and the wider economy, positioning the emirate to remain at the forefront of global aviation for years to come, he said.
Arabian Business
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai International Airport upgrades security with advanced Smiths Detection screening technology
Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), an autonomous corporate entity attached to the Dubai Aviation City Corporation, announced the award of a formal contract to Smiths Detection to deploy advanced checkpoint screening technologies across all terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The multi-year contract covers the installation of HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S computed tomography scanners in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, aiming to enhance security, operational efficiency, and passenger flow. These cutting-edge scanners offer high-resolution 3D imaging and allow passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags during screening, significantly improving processing time and convenience. Certified by international regulatory bodies such as TSA and ECAC, the systems are equipped with iCMORE automatic object recognition software. The initiative, announced on the opening day of Airport Show 2025, aligns with Dubai's vision for a secure, seamless, and future-ready airport infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a global leader in aviation, DAEP said. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, said Dubai continues to lead the world in aviation excellence by investing in the latest security screening technologies. 'This project strengthens passenger safety, enhances the travel experience, and reinforces Dubai's reputation as a global aviation hub,' he said. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said selecting Smiths Detection reflects the organisation's commitment to smart infrastructure integration across its airports. 'It is an investment in operational efficiency and the safety of millions of travellers as we build the airports of the future,' he said. Tom Squier, Managing Director of Smiths Detection Middle East, said the company is honoured to collaborate with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects to help secure one of the world's busiest airports. 'Our advanced screening solutions will enhance detection efficiency and support Dubai's vision for safe and smart air travel,' he said.
