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Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai(Jebel Ali), United Arab Emirates
Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai's mega-airport built for the world's largest capacity.
- ›Opened for cargo operations in 2010 and passenger services in 2013.
- ›Ultimate master plan envisions capacity for over 200 million passengers per year, which would make it the world's largest airport.
- ›Part of the Dubai World Central aerotropolis development covering approximately 145 square kilometres.
- ›Has two runways operational, with plans for a total of six runways at full build-out.
- ›Dubai Airports has announced plans to eventually close Dubai International (DXB) and consolidate operations at DWC.
Al Maktoum International Airport, located in the Jebel Ali district about 37 kilometres south of central Dubai, is the cornerstone of Dubai South, a planned aerotropolis city. Opened in 2010 for cargo and expanded for passenger operations in 2013, it is designed to eventually become the world's largest airport with a capacity exceeding 200 million passengers annually. Currently operating at limited passenger capacity alongside its dominant cargo function, it serves as a strategic long-term complement to Dubai International Airport.
- Passenger Terminal — A single functional passenger terminal handling select low-cost and charter carriers with basic but serviceable amenities.
- Cargo Terminal — A large-scale dedicated cargo facility that forms the operational backbone of the airport, serving major freight carriers worldwide.
- Taxi services available from the terminal forecourt via Dubai Taxi Corporation
- Private car hire and pre-booked chauffeur services
- Ride-hailing apps including Careem and Uber
- Car rental desks available within the terminal
- Hotel shuttle buses for select nearby properties
- Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi (nearby corridor)
- ibis Dubai World Central
- Premier Inn Dubai World Central
- The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre (distant but accessible)
- Auris Inn Al Muhanna Hotel
In-terminal dining options are limited given the airport's current passenger scale, with a handful of cafés and quick-service outlets catering to travellers. The nearby Dubai South and Jebel Ali Free Zone areas offer additional restaurant choices a short drive away. Visitors are advised to eat before arriving or check terminal food availability in advance as offerings can vary by operating hours.
- Allow extra travel time from central Dubai as the airport is approximately 45–60 minutes away depending on traffic.
- Confirm your terminal and airline check-in procedures in advance as operations here differ from Dubai International.
- Public transport links to DWC remain limited — a pre-booked taxi or ride-hail is the most reliable option.
- The airport is integral to the Dubai South development zone; construction and road layouts in the area change frequently.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
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Stay, Eat & Explore: Dubai
Superlatives in the sand
- •Burj Khalifa — 828 m of glass and steel — observation decks at 124, 125 and 148 floors.
- •Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain — 1,200 shops, an aquarium and choreographed fountain shows.
- •Palm Jumeirah — The palm-shaped island of resorts, capped by Atlantis.
- •Old Dubai & Gold Souk — Abra boats across the Creek to spice and gold markets.
- •Desert Safari — Dune bashing, camel rides and Bedouin-style dinners.
Getting around: The driverless Metro's Red Line strings the city together; DXB has its own stations. Taxis are plentiful and cheap; abras cross the Creek for a dirham.
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Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, is an international airport in Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that opened on 27 June 2010. Located 37 kilometres (23 mi) southwest of the city of Dubai, it is the main part of Dubai South, a planned residential, commercial and logistics complex.
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