In recent years, Dubai has seen immense expansion and growth, with the rise of Emirates, Dubai Airports, Dubai Duty Free and some of the world’s largest construction projects. It has become a world-renowned destination for bold architectural endeavors, world-class entertainment and events facilities and unparalleled residences, hotels and resorts.

To accommodate this growth and expansion and continue the recent trend of innovation and modernization, Dubai developed plans for the world’s largest airport. Its current airport, Dubai International, has become one of the world’s busiest airports with a record-breaking 68.5 million passengers reported last year. This rapid growth, which extends beyond the current airport’s expansion plans, and the growth of Emirates, inspired the development of a massive investment plan.

In 2011, Dubai’s Aviation Sector developed a 2020 Strategic Plan for Dubai International aimed at prolonging its life and capacity. As progress continues on Dubai International in the form of expansion and improvements, plans are also being drawn for the new Al Maktoum Airport, located near Dubai World Central in Jebel Ali. The airport development will follow a 2050 Strategic Plan, which includes developing capacity to meet demand and prepare for 40 years of anticipated growth, providing state-of-the-art passenger facilities with unmatched levels of service and state-of-the-art aviation operation facilities.

The monumental airport will cover a land area of 25 square miles and will be connected to Dubai’s metro system and roadways, providing quick and easy access to and from the airport. It will be an airport of unprecedented scale, capable of handling more than 220 million passengers per year upon completion. Though the airport’s timeline is extensive, detailed planning for phase one of the Next Generation Airport is well underway.