Expansion and development of Dubai Airport as an international hubDubai's whole economy has been focused on developing as a key business and trade centre in the mold of Asian states such as Singapore. The country's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has played its part with major developments at the airport and surrounding free-trade zone.
In 1997 the Dubai International Airport catered for around 9 million passengers, representing growth of more 12%. Cargo grew even faster.
To maintain this growth over the long term, the DCA has begun an ambitious $540 million expansion programme, aimed at meeting a throughput of 12 million passengers by the end of the century and over 17 million by 2010.
Work has begun on a futuristic third terminal, spreading over five floors, with room for 28 departure gates and even including a 100-room executive hotel. Due to open in 1999, the terminal is expected to become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Building has already been completed on the airport's new second terminal, which is due to open in April with capacity for 2.5 million passengers a year.
The finishing touches were also applied to the airport's Free Zone and Business Village, a 2.2 million m² development designed to attract high-tech industries and international businesses.
The awards judges praised Dubai's vision in investing in aviation as a driver for business and economic development.
Source: Flight International