DWC expansion plan on schedule, first phase to be completed in 2032

Work on Al Maktoum International Airport expansion is on schedule, with Phase 1 set to begin operations in 2032, announced His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince and UAE's Deputy Prime Minister.

In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Hamdan, who also holds the position of Defence Minister, said more than 10 million hours of work on the project has been completed over the past 15 months. 

He added that the expansion includes the current execution of contracts worth AED 13 billion, with AED 55 billion more to be awarded in the coming months. 

The airport's plan includes the handling of more than a quarter of a billion passengers annually in efforts to support Dubai's economic growth. 

"Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s major projects continue to advance with steady progress and confidence," added Sheikh Hamdan. 

Work on the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion continues according to the approved timeline, with Phase 1 scheduled to begin operations in 2032. Contracts worth AED13 billion are currently being executed, and more than 10 million work hours have been completed over the… pic.twitter.com/CAfe2TGsxo

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) June 15, 2026