Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) will allocate more than AED55 billion worth of expansion contracts by the end of 2026, as work accelerates on what is set to become one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.
Upcoming works include the Western Passenger Terminal, a baggage handling system, an automated people mover and the airport’s fourth concourse. Additional contracts cover power generation, district cooling, building facades and roofing works.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, said: “A key enabler of the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, the Al Maktoum International Airport project will attract high-value investments, broaden business activity and create sustainable economic opportunities that will support development for decades to come.”
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Recent construction milestones include the completion of the second runway and the excavation of more than 45 million cubic metres. The project’s workforce is expected to peak at around 120,000 during construction.
Once complete, Al Maktoum International Airport will be capable of handling more than 260 million passengers annually, making it one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.
The first phase is expected to open in 2032, when operations will begin transferring from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to DWC. The expansion will also support local carriers, including Flydubai’s planned introduction of Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft.
UAE carriers continue to gain global recognition, with Emirates recently crowned the Middle East’s best airline at the 2026 APEX Awards, while also winning the award for the world’s best inflight entertainment.
For more information, visit dwc.dubaiairports.ae