Dubai: Development of the 140-square kilometre Dubai World Central (DWC) airport facility is rapidly taking shape as more than 9,000 workers create the complex out of the desert.
More than 30 contracts worth Dh8 billion have already been awarded at the massive 140-square kilometre airport facility called Dubai World Central.
One of the largest and earliest contracts, a Dh1 billion tender to local builder Al Naboodah Contracting for an A-380 enabled 4.5-kilometre CAT III runway, has been completed, officials announced on Monday.
"The completion of the first runway, capable of handling any new-generation aircraft, signals the advent of a new era in Dubai's aviation and transportation history – a fulfilment of the vision of the late ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who set aside land for an additional airport in Dubai nearly 30 years ago," said Shaikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation Corporation – Dubai World Central, in a press release.
Aviation complex
More than 9,000 workers spread out over 18 on-site projects are toiling to construct the aviation complex out of the desert alongside Emirates Road near the port of Jebel Ali.
Over the coming months, another 40 contracts will be awarded as the $33 billion project sees work begin for water and power, runways and aprons, and telecommunications and IT systems.
Some 20 contracts are designated to help build the key infrastructure for the Dubai World Central complex and its newly renamed airport, Al Maktoum International Airport.
Passenger and cargo terminals
Meanwhile, a Dh100 million passenger terminal is being built by Arabtec/Max Bogl JV, a UAE-German joint venture. The terminal will cater to low-cost, regional and charter airlines and its roughly 40 per cent complete.
Arabtec/Max Bogl is also involved with a Dh278 million cargo terminal, which is 50 per cent complete, and a Dh143 million air traffic control tower and navigational aids building, which is a quarter complete.
At 92 metres, officials say the structure will be the Middle East's tallest freestanding control tower and is 70 per cent ready. It is scheduled for completion by February.
A Dh908 million aprons and associated taxiways contract has also been awarded, which is over 75 per cent complete.
A Dh108 million fuel farms has been given to another UAE-German joint venture, Thermo/Amak JV. A navigational aids package worth Dh120 million will be shared by UK-based Park Air Systems and Thales of France.
In other areas of the World Central complex, Dubai Logistics City has awarded a Dh1.5 billion contract for the construction of its headquarters and office park buildings.
The runway will be used for freight operations beginning in mid-2008.
Six specialised clustered zones
Dubai World Central, encompassing an area roughly twice the size of Hong Kong Island, will comprise six specialised clustered zones: Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Logistics City, DWC Commercial City, DWC Residential City, DWC Aviation City and DWC Golf City.
About 900,000 people are expected to live there when it is complete.
