Emirates Breaks Ground on Engineering Facility Construction at DWC

‍DUBAI — Emirates (EK) breaks ground on its new US$5.1 billion maintenance, repairs, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Dubai South (DWC).

Investing in a stronger future

A new engineering complex - set to become the world’s most modern and advanced MRO facility - is being delivered by China Railway Construction Corporation, a leader in the construction and infrastructure industry, and Artelia is being appointed the project consultants.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 18th May in DWC in the presence of His Highness Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Dai Hegen, Chairman, China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

“Today’s groundbreaking for the US$ 5.1 billion engineering facility is a strategic step forward in Dubai’s future-focused aviation ambitions. The new facility strengthens Emirates Engineering’s vertical integration strategy by bringing more skills, infrastructure, parts production, and specialist capabilities under one roof, while positioning the airline to serve as a strategic engineering partner for the future requirements of the regional and global aviation industry. This latest investment also aligns directly with Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global economic hub and centre of aviation excellence, and lays the foundations for the next chapter of growth for Dubai, the UAE, and the wider MRO industry," said His Highness Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group.

“At Dubai South, our mandate is aligned with the vision of our wise leadership to further strengthen Dubai’s position as the aviation capital of the world through the development of an integrated ecosystem that supports the future needs of the global aviation sector. The groundbreaking of this world-class facility marks another milestone in advancing the aviation infrastructure around Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the largest upon completion. This project will play a key role in enhancing Dubai’s capabilities to cater to the growing demand for advanced aviation services and maintenance solutions, while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global benchmark for aviation excellence, innovation, and long-term industry growth,” commented HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.

“As an important milestone reflecting the good-neighborly friendship and practical cooperation between China and the UAE, this project fully aligns with the consensus reached by the two heads of state and Dubai’s economic development vision, and demonstrates Emirates’ high recognition of CRCC’s comprehensive strength and brand reputation. As the main contractor, we will uphold our core values, mobilize premium resources and assemble a professional team to deliver high-standard construction, efficient progress and quality results, striving to build a model project for China-UAE cooperation and contribute our full strength to deepening bilateral economic and trade ties and building a China-UAE community with a shared future,” said Mr. Dai Hegen, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

World-class facility

The new MRO facility at DWA will span an impressive 1.1 million square meters, becoming one of the world’s largest buildings by volume and, once completed, the largest steel structure in the GCC.

The new facility will feature the world's only hangar capable of servicing 28 wide-body aircraft simultaneously, as well as two state-of-the-art paint hangars to service EK’s wide-body fleet, with extended capacity to handle narrow-body aircraft.

Among other record-breaking features of EK's newest engineering facility are the largest free-span hangar in the world (285 meters), the largest landing gear workshop in the world, 77 000 square meters of workshop space for repairs and maintenance, and 380 000 square meters of storage and logistics capacity. 

New technical facilities will be supported by a new administrative building with 50 000 square meters of office space and 15 000 square meters of training facilities, as well as a gateway facility controlling airside access. 

Emirates’ new complex is also expected to set a new sustainability benchmark, with all MRO complex facilities targeting a LEED Platinum rating and solar panels installed on their roofs.

Construction works are forecast to be completed in the middle of 2030, initially serving aircraft requiring heavy maintenance and addressing overdue projects from the EK engineering center at Dubai International Airport.