Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set for a significant transition as all operations will gradually shift to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This announcement came from Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, during the Arabian Travel Market conference. He highlighted that operating two major airports in close proximity is impractical, stating, “There is little sense in running two major hubs in such proximity. We will move every single service to DWC.”
DWC is currently undergoing an extensive £28 billion expansion project, which aims to accommodate the growing number of travelers. Although the exact date for DXB’s closure is yet to be determined, Griffiths indicated that DWC’s new terminal is expected to be operational by 2032, with further developments projected into the 2050s, suggesting that DXB will likely remain operational for at least another decade.
In 2024, Dubai experienced a notable increase in tourism from the UK, welcoming 1,327,000 visitors, a 14% rise from the previous year, as reported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). On a global scale, Dubai attracted a total of 18.72 million international overnight visitors during the same period.
For UK travelers planning to visit the UAE, it is essential to ensure that their passports have an expiration date at least six months beyond their planned arrival. Additionally, if travelers hold a residence permit, their passport must expire at least three months after their arrival in the UAE. Those transiting through the UAE without going through immigration should also ensure their passport is valid for a minimum of three months beyond their transit date.
This shift towards a single airport will likely enhance the efficiency of air travel to and from Dubai, promising a more streamlined experience for passengers in the coming years.