Airport development and expansions worth nearly $60 billion are currently taking place across the region, with $20 billion in the UAE alone, according to research carried out by Streamline Marketing Group, organizers of the recently concluded seventh Airport Show.
More than 500 suppliers – up 25 per cent on last year – were attracted to the three-day event at Airport Expo Dubai, including key projects such as the $8.2 billion Dubai World Central International Airport, the $5.5 billion New Doha International Airport project, the $6.8 billion expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport and the $4.5 billion revamp of Dubai International Airport.
Dubai alone is investing $82 billion on aviation infrastructure, said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation Corporation-Dubai World Central, speaking at the opening of the show. “Dubai is investing in the region of $82 billion in aviation infrastructure projects, of which 40 per cent ($33 billion) will be invested in Dubai World Central,” he said.
“Dubai World Central (DWC), will become the world’s finest example of urban planning and a benchmark for global investors. Our support of the Airport Show will capitalise on the unprecedented growth in the aviation and airport development sectors that the Middle East, India and Africa have experienced in recent years.”
Boasting the world’s premier logistics and residential capabilities, DWC will be a major player in the UAE’s growth and expansion plans for the coming decade.
DWC’s first phase of development is expected to be complete by 2009.