Dubai has secured a major international endorsement for its aviation future after UK Export Finance (UKEF) issued a $3.5bn Expression of Interest to support UK participation in the $35bn expansion of Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central (DWC).
The announcement, made at Dubai Airshow 2025, marks the first international expression of interest of its kind for the mega-project.
Presented during a ceremony at the Dubai South stand, the Expression of Interest was 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.
Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central
The development signals growing international engagement in one of the world’s largest and most ambitious airport infrastructure programmes.
Sir Chris Bryant said: “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.”
Khalifa Al Zaffin said: “The Al Maktoum International Airport expansion is being delivered through a structured programme that integrates advanced engineering, resilient design and long-term planning.
“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.”
Suzanne Al Anani said: “This Expression of Interest letter reflects strong international confidence in the disciplined, engineering-led delivery of the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion. 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.”
Dubai Airports expansion
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “The Al Maktoum International Airport expansion project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how an airport should work and how the journey of the future should feel.
“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.”
The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is designed to serve Dubai’s aviation needs for the next 50 years.
Initial development is expected to come online in the early 2030s, accommodating up to 150m passengers annually.
Long-term plans will increase total capacity to 260m passengers. The programme emphasises innovation, sustainability and integrated transport systems, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for people, commerce and future mobility.
