News

Dubai Gives Go Ahead For $35 Billion Al Maktoum Airport Expansion

The project will include a new passenger terminal, helping the emirate achieve its goal of operating the world’s largest airport by 2050.

Published

9 months ago

April 29, 2024

Nour Nasir

dubai gives go ahead for $35 billion al maktoum airport expansion

Dubai Media Office

On Sunday, April 28th, Dubai’s HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum gave the go-ahead to a major expansion project for Al Maktoum Airport (DWC).

The development will add a new passenger terminal to DWC, marking a major step in the emirate’s goal to transform the global transport hub into the world’s largest airport by 2050.

The construction project is valued at a massive $34.8 billion (AED128 billion), and is necessary to accommodate the projected surge in air travel over the coming years.

The DWC expansion plans were reportedly shelved in 2019. However, the project regained traction under the airport operating company Dubai Airports, who manage both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and DWC.

dubai al maktoum airport expansion

“HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the strategic plan of the #Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and approved designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the largest in the world when fully operational,” announced the Dubai government on X, noting that the new terminal will increase annual capacity to over 260 million passengers.

Under the comprehensive development plans, Al Maktoum Airport will surpass the scale of Dubai International Airport by fivefold. Eventually, all of Dubai International’s operations will be moved to the new site.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Developer To Build World’s First Healthy Living Island

Dubai Airport CEO Paul Griffiths has emphasized the need for a new facility as DXB airport approaches its maximum annual capacity of 120 million passengers, explaining that the new development will transform airport operations.

“We are not planning an airport that has terminals. We’re going to completely change the business model for airports, make them far more intimate, and get rid of all the legacy processes that we’ve had to subject our customers to for far too long,” Griffiths stated.

News

Dubai Duty Free And TerraPay Partner For Seamless Digital Wallet Payments

The move will enhance convenience for the 100 million customers traveling through Dubai Airport each year.

Published

22 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Nour Nasir

dubai duty free and terrapay partner for seamless digital wallet payments

Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the world’s largest single airport retailer, has teamed with payment provider TerraPay to simplify transactions for international travelers. The partnership will allow over 100 million customers to pay using their home-country digital wallets, including Airtel Money, M-PESA, and MTN MoMooffering, allowing for seamless and accessible shopping experiences.

With TerraPay’s global network of 3.7 billion mobile wallets and its cross-border payments infrastructure, Dubai Duty Free is expanding its payment options to meet evolving consumer preferences. By integrating digital wallets into its system, DDF provides a convenient alternative to traditional payment methods, making transactions much smoother for travelers.

Digital wallets are rapidly becoming the dominant payment method worldwide: In 2025, they are expected to handle 52% of global eCommerce transactions and 30% of all in-store purchases. In addition, digital wallets are already projected to surpass 35% of all cross-border payments this year, highlighting the growing demand for fast, easy, and secure transactions.

Also Read: Visa Partnership Takes X Closer Toward Musk’s “Everything App” Vision

Ambar Sur, Founder & CEO of TerraPay, stated, “Our partnership with Dubai Duty Free […] reflects our shared vision […] to enhance convenience and accessibility, building an inclusive ecosystem that prioritizes customers. It also aligns with the launch of TerraPay’s Wallet Interoperability Council, which aims to create a more connected global payment landscape”.

Echoing this sentiment, Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said, “We are reinforcing our commitment to empowering our customers by enabling them to pay with their preferred methods. Dubai Duty Free has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, and with access to TerraPay’s vast network, we’re excited to offer this new payment solution”.