Construction has officially commenced on what is set to become the largest and most technologically advanced aviation engineering facility in the world, located at Dubai South, adjacent to DWC Airport. This new hangar complex will have the capacity to accommodate 28 wide-body aircraft at once and will feature the largest landing gear workshop globally.

Emirates has initiated this ambitious US$ 5.1 billion engineering project, which is expected to establish Dubai’s and Emirates’ preeminence in aviation capability and infrastructure on a global scale. The construction is being carried out by China Railway Construction Corporation, a prominent player in the construction and infrastructure sector, while Artelia has been appointed as the consulting firm for the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group; Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline; His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South; and Dai Hegen, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum remarked, “The launch of this US$ 5.1 billion engineering facility represents a significant advancement in Dubai’s aviation aspirations. This new establishment will enhance Emirates Engineering’s vertical integration strategy by consolidating skills, infrastructure, parts production, and specialized capabilities, positioning the airline as a strategic engineering partner for both regional and global aviation needs. This investment aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, further solidifying the city’s status as a global economic and aviation hub and laying the groundwork for future growth in Dubai, the UAE, and the broader MRO sector.”

His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin added, “Dubai South’s initiatives are in line with our leadership’s vision to strengthen Dubai’s position as the world’s aviation capital. The groundbreaking of this state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone in enhancing the aviation infrastructure surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, which will become the largest airport upon completion. This project will enhance Dubai’s capabilities to meet the rising demand for advanced aviation services and maintenance solutions, further establishing the emirate as a global standard for aviation excellence and innovation.”

Mr. Dai Hegen, representing China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, noted, “This project signifies an important milestone in the cooperative relationship between China and the UAE. It reflects the consensus reached by our leaders and aligns with Dubai’s economic vision. As the main contractor, we are committed to mobilizing our resources and expertise to deliver high-quality construction and contribute to deepening the economic and trade relationship between China and the UAE.”

The engineering facility at Dubai South will cover an impressive 1.1 million square meters, making it one of the largest structures worldwide by volume and the largest steel structure in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Key features of the facility will include:

• The world’s largest free-span hangar, measuring 285 meters in width.
• The largest dedicated landing gear workshop available globally.
• 77,000 square meters dedicated to workshops for repairs and maintenance.
• 380,000 square meters allocated for storage and logistics.
• Two advanced paint hangars designed to service Emirates’ fleet of wide-body aircraft, with the capacity to also accommodate narrow-body aircraft.

The technical operations will be supported by a new dedicated administrative building, providing 50,000 square meters of office space and 15,000 square meters for training, alongside a facility designed to manage airside access.

Emirates’ new engineering complex aims to set industry standards for sustainability, targeting a LEED Platinum certification, incorporating solar panels on rooftops, and implementing various other eco-friendly initiatives.

The completion of this facility is projected for mid-2030, with the hangar complex beginning operations to service aircraft requiring extensive maintenance and overflow projects from the Emirates Engineering Centre located at Dubai International Airport (DXB).