If I asked you where the biggest airport in the world is and you said Saudi Arabia, then you’d be wrong. That’s because soon, UAE will be home to the world’s largest! This may not come as a surprise to many, seeing as Dubai already has so many of the ‘world’s largest this’ and ‘world’s largest that’, but now we’ll conquer the skies too! Keep reading to find out what Dubai has in store for the new Al Maktoum International Airport, located in Dubai South.
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A Monumental Scale
The sheer scale of the project is awe-inspiring. Al Maktoum International Airport will boast 5 terminals and over 400 aircraft gates, sprawled across an expansive 70 square kilometres. It is slated to accommodate a staggering 260 million passengers annually and be 5 times bigger, compared to than its predecessor, Dubai International Airport. I’ll just say DXB walked so that Al Maktoum International Airport could clearly Run!
Construction Already Underway
Under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport have been approved. Construction of the terminal, with a budget of AED 128 million, has already commenced. The project is divided into phases, with the first phase expected to be completed within a decade. Upon its completion, the airport will have an initial annual capacity of 150 million passengers.
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A Gradual Transition From DXB
Dubai Media Office has confirmed that all operations at DXB, currently the world’s busiest international airport, will be gradually shifted to Al Maktoum International in the coming years. This strategic move aligns with Dubai’s vision for the future of air travel and infrastructure development.
Giving You A Futurist Travel Experience
Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is gearing up for a game-changing transformation. In a decade, it promises a hassle-free journey where passengers breeze through check-in even before reaching the airport. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, envisions a future without queues or red lights. Here’s what you need to know:
- Passengers can complete all check-in formalities before reaching the airport, including bag drop.
- This pre-check-in facility allows for a smooth and convenient journey without the need to stop for immigration, security, or customs.
- Travelers have the flexibility to check in for their flights before or during their journey to the airport, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
- Advanced aviation technologies will be implemented to offer passengers a seamless experience, with the aim of eliminating queues and maximizing comfort.
Comfort & Connectivity
One of the most striking features of DWC is an elevated rail system that cuts through an indoor tropical forest, providing a unique experience for passengers moving between terminals. LED screens displaying various landscapes and marine habitats add to the allure.
DWC aims to offer passengers the highest level of comfort, recreation, and mobility. The airport will be well-connected to the rest of Dubai and the UAE through a high-speed rail, new Metro lines, air taxis, and autonomous vehicles.
Welcome To The Heights Country Club & Wellness
Emaar Properties has just launched The Heights Country Club & Wellness, an AED 55-billion community set to span 81 million square feet, just 10 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport. This vibrant community will feature townhouses and semi-attached villas, a wellness centre, parks, ponds, and greenways. It includes cycling and jogging tracks, schools, hospitals, mosques, and a large retail space with upscale shopping and dining. The development aims to offer a holistic lifestyle that benefits residents’ physical and mental health.
Building Dubai For The Future
HH Sheikh Mohammed envisions this to be more than just an airport – it’s a catalyst for urban development and economic growth. With a city planned around the airport in Dubai South, housing for a million people and opportunities for leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors will emerge. This ambitious project ensures a legacy of continuous progress and prosperity for generations to come, cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, travel, and innovation.
What do you think about the gradual transition away from DXB? Tell us in the comments below. Stick with Gulf Buzz for all the latest updates on all things Dubai!
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