A Closer Look: Dubai's Al Maktoum Airport megaproject announcement

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

At the weekend, it was announced that Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport will be undergoing an expansion so huge that it will become the largest operating airline hub in the world.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, posted on X to say that once complete, Al Maktoum International Airport will have "the world's largest capacity", serving up to 260 million passengers a year.

The airport, spread across 70 square kilometres, will feature 400 aircraft gates, five parallel runways and new aviation technology. It will have the capacity to handle 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Here, host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's aviation correspondent Deena Kamel to find out how the new airport will compare to others in the region and what will happen to Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Dubai starts constructing new $35bn passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport

Dubai South set to boom as Al Maktoum International Airport plan transforms city

Dubai starts constructing new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport: in pictures

The Dubai government has approved designs for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport and has started construction at a cost of Dh128 billion. Photo: Dubai government via AP
Spread across 70 square kilometres, the new airport will be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport. Photo: Dubai government via AP
Once complete, Al Maktoum International Airport will have "the world's largest capacity", reaching up to 260 million passengers. Photo: Dubai government via AP
The Al Maktoum International Airport will fully absorb Dubai International Airport’s operations within 10 years. Photo: Dubai government via AP
A satellite image shows the site of Al Maktoum International Airport. The airport will feature 400 gates, five parallel runways and new aviation technology. Photo: Planet Labs PBC via AP

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Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership

China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.

1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.

2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.

3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.

4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.

5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.

6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.

7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.

8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.

9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.

10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem

Rating: 4/5

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