Dubai’s aviation ambitions gained major international momentum at Dubai Airshow 2025 as UK Export Finance issued a US$3.5 billion Expression of Interest to support British participation in the US$35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central.

The letter was presented during a ceremony at the Dubai South stand where UK Minister for Trade Sir Chris Bryant handed the document to Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. The move marks the first international expression of interest for the mega-project and reflects strong confidence in Dubai’s long-term aviation strategy.

UK Export Finance said the potential support underscores the depth of the UK’s partnership with Dubai and highlights opportunities for British suppliers to contribute to a project set to reshape global aviation. Dubai officials noted that the expansion is guided by advanced engineering, resilient design and long-term planning that will underpin the emirate’s next phase of aviation growth.

Project leaders from Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects added that the backing demonstrates confidence in the airport’s disciplined, engineering-led delivery. They highlighted the focus on modular construction, sustainability and infrastructure designed to serve the city for decades.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths described the expansion as an opportunity to redefine how future airports will operate and how passenger journeys will evolve. He said the UK’s support adds significant international momentum to a development that will transform capacity and connectivity for millions of travellers.

The next generation airport is planned to open in the early 2030s with a capacity of 150 million passengers a year. Long-term plans will expand that figure to 260 million as Dubai strengthens its position as a global hub for travel, trade and mobility.

News Source: Emirates News Agency