Dubai has extended the deadline for companies bidding on the massive expansion of Al-Maktoum International Airport, a project set to transform the emirate’s aviation sector and reinforce its status as a global transport hub.
Officials confirmed that the new submission date has been moved from late September to November, allowing potential contractors more time to prepare proposals for what is expected to be one of the world’s largest airport developments.
Project of Global Scale
The expansion of Al-Maktoum International also known as Dubai World Central (DWC) is a centrepiece of Dubai’s long-term aviation strategy:
- Once complete, the facility is designed to handle up to 260 million passengers annually, eclipsing Dubai International Airport (DXB).
- The multi-phase project includes new terminals, runways, and cargo facilities.
- It forms part of Dubai’s plan to remain a dominant global hub amid intensifying competition from airports in Istanbul, Doha, and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh.
Why the Delay?
Sources close to the bidding process said the extension reflects the complexity and scale of the project, which demands detailed technical and financial proposals.
Industry insiders also note that global construction firms are facing cost pressures from supply chain disruptions, higher financing costs, and fluctuating commodity prices—all of which may have prompted requests for more preparation time.
Investor and Contractor Interest
Some of the world’s leading contractors and infrastructure specialists are understood to be in the running for the project. The revised timeline is expected to give firms additional breathing room to form joint ventures and secure financing.
“The scope of Al-Maktoum is unprecedented,” said one aviation analyst. “Dubai is essentially building the future of air travel, and it wants the strongest possible proposals on the table.”
Strategic Importance
The Al-Maktoum project is more than just an airport:
- It is part of Dubai’s economic diversification strategy, creating jobs and boosting tourism and logistics.
- Authorities say it will future-proof the emirate’s aviation sector for decades, accommodating next-generation aircraft and sustainable aviation technologies.
- The development will also underpin Dubai’s ambitions to expand its cargo capacity, making it a leading global hub for freight as well as passenger travel.
What Happens Next
Bidders now have until November to submit proposals, with contract awards expected in early 2026.
Analysts believe the airport’s progress will be closely watched worldwide, not only for its engineering scale but also as a bellwether for the future of mega-infrastructure projects in the Gulf.
