Dubai, known for its record-breaking rainfall in the UAE, is now undergoing significant changes with the relocation of the Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s largest and busiest airports, from Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport. This move, estimated to cost $35 billion, aims to transform the South Dubai area into a vast airfield over the next decade, as announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a government official.
Operations of the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central are being shifted to Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport, which will now operate as Dubai International Airport, replacing DXB. The initiatives to revamp the operations of DXB at Al Maktoum International Airport have been in progress for several years.
The new terminal complex, reminiscent of traditional Bedouin courtyards at the Arabian Peninsula consulate, features five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates. This transformation is expected to position Dubai as the world’s largest airport hub and city center, enhancing global connectivity.
The number of passengers passing through Dubai International Airport increased by 86.9 million last year. In 2019, annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers.
The Al Maktoum International Airport, located 45 kilometers away from Dubai International Airport, opened with a single terminal in 2010. During the pandemic, it operated as a parking space for Emirates’ double-decker A380s and other aircraft, and later expanded with facilities for cargo and private aircraft. The Dubai Airshow, held once every two years, is also conducted here.
