In April 2024, the Dubai Government approved ambitious plans for a new passenger terminal at Dubai World Central (DWC). This new development, estimated to cost around $35 billion, is poised to revolutionize air travel with its massive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities. Here is an in-depth look at what this project entails:

Key Features of the New DWC Terminal

Capacity: The new terminal will be able to handle an astonishing 260 million passengers annually, making it the largest airport in the world by passenger capacity.

Size: The terminal will cover an area of 70 square kilometers, which is five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Runways: DWC will feature five runways to accommodate the high volume of air traffic.

Boarding Gates: There will be 400 boarding gates to facilitate efficient passenger flow and reduce wait times.

Advanced Transport Systems: An automated people mover system will be implemented to help passengers navigate the vast terminal and an integrated landside transport hub will connect roads, Metro lines, and city air transport, ensuring seamless connectivity to the rest of Dubai.

Operational Strategy

• DXB's Role:
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) will continue to operate as a major hub during the 10-year construction period of the new DWC terminal.
  • DXB is expected to serve over 100 million passengers annually until its closure once DWC is fully operational.

Broader Impact and Development Plans

New City Development:

• Alongside the construction of the new terminal, there are plans to build an entire city around the airport. This city will be designed to accommodate up to 1 million people.

• The development will attract the world's leading logistics and air transport companies, transforming the area into a global hub for commerce and transportation.

Real Estate Boom:

• The demand for properties in the area, known as Dubai South, is expected to surge. Over the next decade, the need for more than 100,000 properties is anticipated.

• As the airport redevelopment progresses, property prices in Dubai South are projected to increase and grow at a faster rate.

Economic and Social Impact:

• The new airport and surrounding city will drive economic growth, creating numerous job opportunities and boosting various sectors, including real estate, transportation, and logistics.

• The development aligns with Dubai's broader vision to enhance the quality of life for its residents and position itself as a global leader in innovation and infrastructure.

Quality of Life Strategy 2033

• The launch of the Quality of Life Strategy 2033 by the Dubai Government underscores the commitment to improving living standards. This strategy will complement the development of the new airport and city, ensuring that the infrastructure, services, and amenities meet the highest standards and cater to the needs of the growing population.