In a bold move that underscores Dubai's commitment to sustainability and innovation, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. This monumental project, valued at AED 128 billion, is set to become the largest and most eco-friendly airport in the world, with an impressive annual capacity of 260 million passengers.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
The announcement was made during Sheikh Mohammed's visit to Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, accompanied by several royal family members and high-ranking officials, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy by Dubai Aviation Corporation to reinvent aviation for the coming decades, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Today, we approved the plans for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, and we are commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion. This airport will enjoy the world's largest capacity, reaching up to 260 million passengers,"
stated Sheikh Mohammed. He added that the airport would be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport, with all operations set to be transferred to this new facility in the coming years.
Architectural and Ecological Marvel
The new terminal will feature 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways, employing advanced aviation technologies for the first time in the sector. By building an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, the project will cater to the growing demand for housing for a million people and will host leading companies in logistics and air transport.
We are building a project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their descendants. Dubai will be the world's airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global centre,"
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised.
Integration of Sustainable Technologies
The new airport will implement technologies and infrastructures designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the UAE's vision for sustainability. The project aims to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, a globally recognised standard for green buildings. This certification attests to the high environmental performance and sustainability of the infrastructure.
Efficient Resource Utilisation
The new airport's designs incorporate energy-efficient solutions to minimise energy consumption. This includes advanced technologies for lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Innovative water management systems will also be implemented to optimise the use of this precious resource, including rainwater harvesting installations and water reuse technologies.
Sustainable Mobility and Transport
The airport will feature an integrated transport hub linking roads, metro, and urban air transport. This will facilitate public transport travel and reduce reliance on private vehicles, thus contributing to a decrease in CO2 emissions. The use of automated systems and cutting-edge technologies for passenger and baggage processing will enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
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 a major contributor to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). It will generate workforce and residential needs for over a million people living and working in Dubai South,"
he affirmed.
Suzanne Al Anani, CEO of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, added:
Dubai remains at the forefront. With the determination to maintain its leading role in the global aviation sector, this airport development will represent a new approach to the concept of airports. The exponential acceleration of technologies and the abundance of knowledge in innovation will enable us to reinvent the passenger journey and experience."
A New Era for Aviation
The Al Maktoum International Airport project is not just about meeting current aviation needs; it anticipates future demands by integrating advanced technologies, sustainable infrastructures, and improved connectivity. By aligning its goals with the UAE’s vision for sustainability, the new airport aims to reduce environmental emissions and achieve LEED Gold certification.
Ranking Among the World's Largest Airports
By Passenger Capacity (Future)
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) - Dubai, UAE
Projected capacity: 260 million passengers annually.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Approximately 93 million passengers.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Approximately 82 million passengers.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Approximately 75 million passengers.
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Approximately 71 million passengers.
By Surface Area
King Fahd International Airport (DMM) - Saudi Arabia
Approximately 780 km².
Denver International Airport (DEN) - USA
Approximately 135 km².
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - USA
Approximately 70 km².
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) - Dubai, UAE
Approximately 56 km² (70 km² with planned expansions).
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) - China
Approximately 40 km².
By Modernity (Projected)
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) - Dubai, UAE
Expected to be one of the most modern with state-of-the-art technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and world-class facilities.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Known for its ultra-modern facilities, indoor garden, rooftop pool, and cinemas.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) - Doha, Qatar
Recognised for its modern design, art installations, and world-class amenities.
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Renowned for its cleanliness, efficiency, and modern facilities.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Appreciated for its modern architecture, services, and advanced technologies.
In summary, the Al Maktoum International Airport project represents a significant leap forward for Dubai, solidifying its status as a global hub for aviation and logistics while paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. This monumental undertaking not only addresses the current and future needs of the aviation industry but also sets new standards in environmental stewardship and technological innovation.
As the Arabian Travel Market 2024 concludes, it leaves a clear vision for the future of tourism—highlighting slow travel, sustainability, and technology as key trends
Arabian Travel Market 2024 kicks off today in Dubai, showcasing over 2,300 exhibitors and a compelling theme of 'Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship'. This premier event is set to explore the dynamic interplay between tourism and entrepreneurial innovation, highlighting new destinations and emerging trends in the industry.
In an Exclusive Interview with Tourismag UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili discusses the resurgence of global tourism post-pandemic, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
Under the generous Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and Mother of the Nation, the annual FBMA International Show Jumping Cup concluded on Sunday following four days of scintillating competition.
Ce système novateur, présenté dans une vidéo par The National News, élimine les postes d'immigration traditionnels, offrant un processus d'embarquement fluide et efficace.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) celebrated the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs at the closing ceremony of World Tourism Day (WTD). These were no ordinary entrepreneurs but the distinguished winners of the inaugural UNWTO Contest for Women in Tech Start-Ups in the Middle East.
La clôture de la Journée Mondiale du Tourisme (JMT), était résolument au féminin. L’Organisation Mondiale du Tourisme a célébré les réussites des femmes entrepreneures et par n’importe lesquelles !
Emirates, one of the world's most prestigious airlines, and Étoile Sportive du Sahel, one of Tunisia's most award-winning football and basketball clubs, have signed a new sponsorship agreement that will make Emirates the official airline sponsor of the club starting from the 2023-24 season
For its second London iteration, the exhibition showcases artworks by Abu Dhabi Art artists Sarah Almehairi, Majd Alloush, and Khalid, who were commissioned to create new works by Abu Dhabi Art as part of the annual programme
Emirates, l'une des plus prestigieuses compagnies aériennes du monde et l'Étoile Sportive du Sahel, l'un des clubs de football et de basket-ball les plus primés de Tunisie, ont signé un nouveau contrat de sponsoring, qui fera d'Emirates le sponsor aérien officiel du club, à partir de la saison 2023-24
Airline spreads its wings to second Canadian gateway to meet demand for international travel between Canada and the rest of the world
From 5 July, daily flights to Montréal on widebody Boeing 777-300ER to complement daily A380 services to Toronto
Ces derniers mois, Paramount Hotel Dubai a fait sensation grâce à ses efforts remarquables en matière de durabilité, alliant glamour hollywoodien et pratiques écoresponsables innovantes.
