Dubai To Award AED55 Billion In Contracts As 150M-Passenger Al Maktoum Airport Takes Shape

Sheikh Hamdan has confirmed that contracts worth more than AED55 billion will be awarded in the coming months as work continues on the huge expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. The update gives one of the clearest signs yet that the project is moving from planning into a much busier construction phase.

Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport Is Moving Faster Than Ever With AED55 Billion In New Contracts

Dubai isn’t expanding Al Maktoum International just to add a few extra gates. Within the next decade, the airport is expected to handle around 150 million passengers every year. Eventually, that figure could climb to 260 million passengers annually, alongside 12 million tonnes of cargo.

To support those ambitions, the airport is set to feature five runways and hundreds of aircraft gates. It will also become a major part of the wider Dubai South aviation and logistics district.

That said, the project isn’t only about passenger travel. Freight movement is a major part of the plan too, helping Dubai strengthen its position as a global transport hub.

Construction Is Already Happening On The Ground

While many residents still associate Dubai International Airport with the city’s aviation future, work at Al Maktoum is steadily gathering pace.

Earlier updates showed that design work had already been completed and construction activity had started. Authorities have also moved ahead with several key contracts, including a AED 1 billion deal linked to a second runway.

Other infrastructure packages are also moving forward. These include transport systems inside the airport, baggage operations, substations and cooling facilities.

But the latest AED55 billion procurement pipeline suggests the biggest wave of construction activity may still be ahead.

Dubai International Is Getting Busier Every Year

Dubai International Airport continues to break records. In 2025, it welcomed more than 95 million passengers and handled hundreds of thousands of flight movements. The airport also maintained its position as the world’s busiest international airport.

Also Read: Dubai Airport Announces Its Preparation For Hajj Travellers, As 3,600 Pilgrims Expected To Pass

Technology Is Playing A Role Too

During a recent review, Sheikh Hamdan also looked at Emirates’ upgraded Network Operations Control Centre.

The facility uses artificial intelligence, computer vision and real-time mapping tools to monitor flights, weather conditions and potential disruptions across the airline’s global network.

For now, attention remains firmly on Al Maktoum International. The passenger targets have been set, the timelines are becoming clearer and major contracts are lining up.

Cover Image Courtesy: Sheikh Hamdan/X

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