Dubai International Airport is considered the Middle East’s premier and busiest airport, ranking among the top 50 international airports in the world. Even more dramatic growth is forecast for the next several years as more multinational corporations recognize Dubai as a cost effective and strategically located regional business hub.

Anticipating the demands of the 21^st century, the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation has commenced a US$ 40 million expansion program designed to turn Dubai International Airport into an even more user-friendly and efficient airport and maintain the Emirate’s position as the Regional Hub the Gulf.

This ambitious program includes the constructions of the 118,000 sq metres Dubai International Airport New Concourse comprising 5 levels of passengers facilities which include: 28 aircraft gates, a 100-room 5 star hotel and a 9,000 sq metres Duty Free complex.

Terminal Two, the additional terminal located on the north side of the Airport development is designed to handle in excess of 500 passengers per hour, a yearly total of 2.5 million passengers. In addition to scheduled flights, Terminal 2 will also cater for Charter flights, Executive flights and Special Interest flights such as those for the Haj pilgrimage. 1,200 sq. metres in this new terminal has been allocated to Duty Free shopping which will include a customers service desk for bulk purchase.

As an integral part of the Dubai International Airport expansion program, a total land area of 2.2 million sq. metres, has been allocated for the development of Dubai Airport Free Zone & Business Village.

This state-of -the art Free Zone will provide a supporting environment to a wide variety of technology-driven industries, including products with high value-to-weight ratio; manufacture assembly and trade of time sensitive products; services to aviation and high technology industries, and technical and professional support services.

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation commented: " Our main object is to consolidate Dubai’s status as a regional hub allowing the international business community to reach the 1.4 billion consumers surrounding the U.A.E.