Dubai has gained significant international support for its aviation future as the UK confirmed a $3.5bn Expression of Interest for the $35bn expansion of Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central. The announcement at Dubai Airshow 2025 marks the first global expression of interest issued for the project, and it clearly signals rising international confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth strategy. During a ceremony at the Dubai South stand, the document was presented by Sir Chris Bryant to Khalifa Al Zaffin and Paul Griffiths.
Moreover, the development highlights how global partners are increasingly engaging with one of the world’s most ambitious airport infrastructure programmes. Sir Chris Bryant noted: “This expression of interest for up to S$3.5bn announced by UK Export Finance marks another significant milestone and reinforces the UK’s long-standing partnership with Dubai and its pioneering world-class infrastructure projects. Al Maktoum International Airport is set to redefine the future of global aviation, creating significant opportunities for British suppliers to showcase their cutting-edge capabilities.”
Leaders Emphasise Strategic Planning and Engineering Strength
Khalifa Al Zaffin explained that the expansion is progressing through a structured programme focused on advanced engineering, resilient design and long-term planning. He added: “This step brings valued international support to a project built on clear technical standards and a disciplined delivery framework. Our focus is on creating the infrastructure that will unlock the next stage of Dubai’s aviation growth, reinforcing our leadership’s vision to make Dubai the aviation capital of the world.”
Additionally, Suzanne Al Anani highlighted that the Expression of Interest reflects strong global confidence in the project’s engineering-led delivery. She said: “As the master developer and engineering authority for this project, DAEP is focused on clear specifications, modular construction, sustainability, and resilient infrastructure that will serve Dubai for decades. We welcome the opportunity for qualified UK suppliers to participate through our procurement frameworks as we scale the next phases of works.”
Expansion Marks a Transformative Shift for Future Travel
Paul Griffiths noted that the project presents a rare chance to rethink the airport experience from the ground up. He said: “This Expression of Interest letter adds further international momentum to a project that will transform capacity, connect communities and deliver a new level of experience for hundreds of millions of travellers. The long-term vision for Al Maktoum International Airport is clear and the support announced today strengthens our ability to realise it.”
Looking ahead, the expansion is designed to support Dubai’s aviation needs for the next 50 years. Initial development is expected to come online in the early 2030s, and it will accommodate up to 150 million passengers annually. Furthermore, long-term plans aim to increase total capacity to 260 million passengers while prioritising innovation, sustainability and integrated transport systems. With these elements combined, Dubai continues to reinforce its position as a global hub for people, commerce and future mobility.
