Dubai has embarked on an ambitious project to build the world’s largest airport terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. The colossal undertaking, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, carries a price tag of nearly $35 billion.
“We approved the designs for the new passenger terminal…and (are) commencing construction of the building,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
The new terminal, upon completion, will boast a staggering annual passenger capacity of 260 million, dwarfing the current Dubai International Airport, a major global air hub. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized this, claiming the new terminal will be “five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport.”
The project will be rolled out in phases, with the first stage expected to be operational within 10 years, capable of handling 150 million passengers annually. This information was revealed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates, the national airline.
Located on the outskirts of the city, Al Maktoum Airport has played a secondary role in Dubai International Airport since its opening in 2010. However, its location outside the city center allows for significant expansion, unlike the current airport. Dubai authorities envision Al Maktoum eventually replacing its more centrally located counterpart, which has reached its capacity of 120 million passengers annually.
