Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for travel, commerce, and future mobility with the expansion of Al Maktoum International. The $35 billion project is designed to meet the city’s aviation needs for the next 50 years, initially accommodating up to 150 million passengers annually and eventually increasing capacity to 260 million.
In a major international endorsement, UK Export Finance issued a $3.5 billion Expression of Interest to support UK participation in the airport’s expansion. The announcement was made at Dubai Airshow 2025, where the Expression of Interest was formally handed over by Sir Chris Bryant, UK Minister for Trade, to Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. This marks the first international Expression of Interest of its kind for the project.
Sir Chris Bryant said the commitment highlights the UK’s confidence in Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and offers significant opportunities for British suppliers to showcase their expertise. Khalifa Al Zaffin emphasized that the project is being delivered through a structured programme with advanced engineering, resilient design, and long-term planning. He noted that international support reinforces the project’s delivery and will drive the next phase of Dubai’s aviation growth.
Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) explained that the Expression of Interest reflects strong global confidence in the project’s engineering-led approach. The expansion focuses on clear technical standards, modular construction, sustainability, and resilient infrastructure, while inviting qualified UK suppliers to participate in future phases.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the airport experience. The expansion will transform capacity, connect communities, and deliver a seamless, modern journey for millions of travelers.
The road ahead
With strong international support, Dubai is set to become the world’s top aviation hub, combining modern infrastructure with global partnerships for the future.
At One Investments, we see this renewed confidence as opening the door to long-term opportunities for our clients. As the city enters a new phase of growth, we help investors identify projects designed to provide enduring value.
