Dubai’s DWC airport expansion gains $3.5 billion UK backing at Dubai Airshow

Dubai: Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport expansion received a major international boost at Dubai Airshow 2025, as UK Export Finance (UKEF) issued a $3.5 billion Expression of Interest letter to support UK business participation in the $35 billion project.

This is the first time the DWC mega-project has received foreign investment, signaling strong confidence in Dubai’s long-term aviation strategy and economic vision. The deal will create opportunities for British suppliers to offer their services in building the DWC expansion.

The letter was handed over by UK Minister for Trade Sir Chris Bryant to Dubai aviation leaders, including Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

Sir Chris Bryant said, “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.”

The Al Maktoum expansion aims to serve 150 million passengers annually by the early 2030s, with a longer-term capacity of 260 million travellers. The project focuses on advanced engineering, sustainable design, and integrated transport systems to support Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub.

Plans for the airport include biometric processing, AI-based security screening, and sensors to ensure the smooth flow of passengers through the terminal.

Al Zaffin said, "Our focus is on creating infrastructure that unlocks the next stage of Dubai’s aviation growth”.​

The project’s master developer, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), emphasises modular construction and resilient infrastructure to deliver long-term benefits.

Suzanne Al Anani , CEO of DAEP, said, “This letter reflects strong international confidence in the disciplined, engineering-led delivery of the expansion, welcoming qualified UK suppliers to participate”.​

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths described the expansion as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how airports should work and how the journey of the future should feel.”