Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) has tendered three packages covering superstructure works in Al-Maktoum International Airport. Interested bidders have until 23 March to submit their proposals. The superstructure works covered by the contract includes areas such as the West Terminal and concourse one. Moreover, it includes Concourse two and Concourse three.

Construction on these packages began in November last year, when DAEP formally selected a contractor to deliver the substructure works. According to an official description on DAEP’s website, the expanded airport’s West Terminal will be a seven-level, 800,000-square-meter facility. Furthermore, it will have an annual capacity of 45 million passengers. It will be the second of three terminals at Al-Maktoum International Airport.

Furthermore, it will be linked to the airside by a 14-station automated people-mover (APM) system. In August, DAEP had received bids from firms to build the APM at the airport. The system will run under the apron of the entire airfield and the airport’s terminals. It will also consist of several tracks, taking passengers from the terminals to the concourses. The airport is advancing its metro link known as the Al-Maktoum metro link, expected to facilitate accessibility to passengers across the city.

Scope on the Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport Superstructure Works

The Dubai Al-Maktoum airport superstructure works is just one of many aspects in the first phase of expansion. The airport’s construction is planned to be undertaken in three phases. Furthermore, it will cover an area of 70 square kilometres (sq km) south of Dubai and will have five parallel runways, five terminal buildings and 400 aircraft gates. It will be five times the size of the existing Dubai International airport and will have the world’s largest passenger-handling capacity of 260 million passengers a year. For cargo, it will have the capacity to handle 12 million tonnes a year.

Construction on the first phase has already begun. In May last year, DAEP had awarded an AED1bn ($272m) deal to UAE firm Binladin Contracting Group to construct the second runway at the airport. The enabling works on the terminal are also ongoing and are being undertaken by Abu Dhabi-based Tristar E&C. Construction on the project’s first phase is expected to be completed by 2032.

The government also approved the updated designs and timelines for its largest construction project in April 2024. In a statement, the authorities said the plan is for all operations from Dubai International airport to be transferred to Al-Maktoum International within 10 years. The statement added that the project will create housing demand for 1 million people around the airport.

Project Factsheet.

• Project: Phase 1 Expansion Superstructure works.
• Client / Developer: Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP)
• Location: Al Maktoum international Airport, Dubai, UAE.
• Tender Deadline: 23 March (three packages superstructure)
• Total Phase 1 completion Target: 2032.

Superstructure Packages Contain

• West Terminal
• Concourse 1
• Concourse 2
• Concourse 3
• The initial construction of substructure works started in November (previously chosen contractor).

The West Terminal (Key Specifications)

• 7 levels
• 800,000 square meters
• Yearly capacity: 45 million passengers.
• Second out of three intended terminals.
• Linked to airside through 14 station Automated People Mover (APM) system.
• Automated people mover (APM) System.
• Operates under apron and terminals.
• Multiple tracks
• Linking terminals to concourses.
• Tender issued in the past.

Full Airport Expansion (Full Master Plan)

• Total land area: 70 sq km (south of Dubai)
• 5 parallel runways
• 5 terminal buildings
• 400 aircraft gates
• Passenger facilities: 260 million per year (Largest intended in the world)
• Cargo capacity 12 million tonnes/year.
• Five times the size of the Dubai international airport.

Significant Contracts (Phase 1)

• Second runway contract of AED 1 billion to Saudi Binladin Group (UAE arm).
• Contractor of enabling works: Tristar Engineering and Construction.

Strategic Impact

• All intra-Dubai Airport operations within 10 years.
• It is projected to create housing demand of about 1 million residents.