Programme

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) Expansion

United Arab EmiratesAirport Infrastructure, Aviation InfrastructureReviewed 11 September 2026

Redevelopment/expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), intended by Dubai Airports/DAEP to become the world's largest airport by capacity. Design by Coop Himmelb(l)au + Dar Al-Handasah Consultants. Dh13bn in contracts awarded in 2026 to date, with a further Dh55bn targeted for award by end-2026 — both distinct from the $34.8bn total programme investment figure. Driverless automated rail network (165 vehicles) targeted for completion December 2031, ahead of Phase 1 opening in 2032 (forecast).

Status

Under Construction / Early WorksStatus
Main Works Contracts Procured / Financing Structure Under DevelopmentProcurement Status

Value

USD 34.8 billionInvestment Value

Scale & Capacity

10 millionWork-hours logged (prior 15 months)
17,000 pilesPiles installed

Overview

Location
Dubai World Central, Dubai, UAE
Scale / Scope
Full programme target: five parallel runways, ~400 gates, up to 260 million passengers/year capacity. Concourse 1: 1.7 miles long, ~19 million sq ft, 100 contact gates. Distinct value tiers preserved (do not collapse): Dh13bn contracts awarded in 2026 to date; further Dh55bn targeted for award by end-2026; $34.8bn total programme investment.

Project Developments

  • Project · 15 August 2026Dubai targets Dh55bn in further contract awards by end-2026 for Al Maktoum International Airport expansion

    Dubai officials confirmed Dh13bn in contracts already awarded for the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) expansion in 2026, with a further Dh55bn targeted for award by end-2026 — distinct from the programme's total $34.8bn investment figure.

Participants & Roles

Technical Adviser / Consultant

Procuring Authority

Operator

Sources
  • The National (direct quotes from Dubai officials)Official / Government
  • Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) official siteOfficial / Government