DUBAI- Emirates (EK) has broken ground on a US$ 5.1 billion engineering complex at Dubai South, a project set to become the world’s most modern and advanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility. The development strengthens the position of Emirates (EK) and Dubai in global aviation capability and infrastructure.
The new facility is located near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and will eventually take on heavy maintenance work and spillover projects from the Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Construction is expected to be completed by the middle of 2030.
Emirates to Build MRO Complex at Dubai South
The new engineering facility is being delivered by China Railway Construction Corporation, a leading construction and infrastructure development company. Artelia has been appointed as the project consultant for the development.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in the presence of 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.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the groundbreaking is a strategic step forward in Dubai’s future-focused aviation ambitions.
He explained that the new facility strengthens Emirates Engineering’s vertical integration strategy by bringing more skills, infrastructure, parts production, and specialist capabilities under one roof.
He added that the investment positions the airline to serve as a strategic engineering partner for the future needs of the regional and global aviation industry, while aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
A Facility Built on a Massive Scale
Emirates’ new engineering facility at Dubai South will span 1.1 million square metres. This will make it one of the largest buildings in the world by volume and the largest steel structure in the GCC.
The facility will feature the world’s only hangar complex able to service 28 wide-body aircraft at the same time, along with two painting hangars. Other notable features of the facility include:
- The largest free-span hangar in the world, at a width of 285 metres
- The largest dedicated landing gear workshop in the world
- 77,000 square metres of dedicated workshop space for repairs and maintenance
- 380,000 square metres of storage and logistics capacity
- Two paint hangars to service Emirates’ wide-body fleet, with extended capacity to also handle narrow-body aircraft
The technical facilities will be supported by a dedicated administrative building for Emirates Engineering. This will provide 50,000 square metres of office space and 15,000 square metres of training facilities. A gateway facility will also be built to control airside access.
Leadership Comments on Strategic Value
His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin said the mandate of Dubai South is aligned with the vision of the leadership to strengthen Dubai’s position as the aviation capital of the world.
He noted that the groundbreaking marks another milestone in advancing aviation infrastructure around Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is set to become the largest airport once completed.
He added that the project will enhance Dubai’s capabilities to meet growing demand for advanced aviation services and maintenance solutions.
Dai Hegen said the project is an important milestone reflecting the friendship and practical cooperation between China and the UAE. He stated that as the main contractor, the company will mobilize premium resources and assemble a professional team to deliver high-standard construction and quality results, aiming to build a model project for China-UAE cooperation.
Sustainability at the Core
Emirates’ new engineering complex at Dubai South is expected to set new benchmarks for sustainability. All project facilities are targeting a LEED Platinum rating. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs across the complex, along with other sustainability initiatives.
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the middle of 2030. The hangar complex will initially start servicing aircraft requiring heavy maintenance and spillover projects from the Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
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