Sheikh Ahmed: Emirates Pledges $12B for Dubai Airport DWC Infrastructure

Dubai, UAE: Dubai's ambitious Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) expansion has received a significant financial commitment from its largest carrier, Emirates, signalling a major acceleration for the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project.

Emirates' Strategic Investment: $10-12B

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, confirmed that the airline plans to allocate a minimum of $10 to $12 billion toward developing its dedicated facilities at the new aviation hub.

Speaking to Gulf News, Sheikh Ahmed clarified that these funds are specifically designated for constructing Emirates’ necessary infrastructure within the colossal new passenger terminal currently under development.

This $10-12 billion investment is separate from and in addition to the $35 billion the Government of Dubai has earmarked for the core airport development. The government's plan aims to establish a new terminal capable of serving 150 million passengers annually by the early 2030s, with a longer-term capacity target of 260 million passengers.

Need for Dedicated Airline Facilities

Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the necessity for Emirates to build its own supporting infrastructure, such as catering facilities and maintenance hangars, which are not covered by the primary $35 billion government allocation.

"We talk about Al Maktoum International. It is much more than that. what we have announced before $35 billion. We are not talking about other infrastructure, which for example, Emirates will do (need)… I mean on top of that. We need catering facility, hangars," said Sheikh Ahmed.

He projected the magnitude of the total investment required across the entire project: "Emirates will easily spend about $10 to $12 billion on top of that ($35 billion) and many other stakeholders in the project. So that drop, will be a drop in the ocean."

Confidence in Financing and Growth

The comments follow a major international endorsement for the DWC expansion at Dubai Airshow 2025, where the UK Export Finance {UKEF} issued a $3.5 billion Expression of Interest letter to support the participation of British businesses in the project.

Regarding the massive undertaking and its financing, Sheikh Ahmed expressed strong financial confidence: "I think we have a very good cash flow. I am very confident that we will do it with no issues."

He also welcomed the proactive role of international governments, noting he is "happy to see other governments pushing for their companies to be a part of Dubai’s success."