Sheikh Ahmed announces Dubai World Central as the new venue of the Dubai Airshow 2013

Sheikh Ahmed announces Dubai World Central as the new venue of the Dubai Airshow 2013

AED 1 billion investment earmarked for Dubai World Central to cover the relocation of the Dubai Airshow 2013 and the start of the first phase of the aviation district

Dubai, UAE; November 16, 2011: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, has announced today (Wedensday, November 16, 2011) the commitment of AED 1 billion for Dubai World Central, a purpose-built aerotropolis. The investment will cover the relocation of the Dubai Airshow 2013 to Dubai World Central and the start of the first phase of development of its aviation district.

“Dubai World Central is an integral component of the strategic vision of Dubai Government to establish the emirate as an international aviation hub and a gateway to global markets. The aviation district has been holistically conceived to capitalize on the dynamic aviation industry of the UAE and the region. The move of Dubai Airshow 2013 to Dubai World Central is an example of Dubai’s long-term plan to meet the growing demands of the industry,” said H.H. Sheikh Ahmed.

The latest announcement is part of DWC’s multi-phased plan to develop a dedicated aviation cluster.

Covering over 6.8 square kilometers, the aviation district provides both landside and airside facilities and leverages the current and future capacity of Al Maktoum International Airport. Once complete, it will be home to many aviation companies, including FBOs, MROs and light manufacturing.

The masterplan also addresses the need for a controlled access to airside functions, which are exemplified in the general aviation area consisting of a heliport, areas dedicated for MROs and FBOs, an executive jet terminal and covered aircraft parking stands.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “As evident with the recent investments being made in the aviation sector within the region, including Emirates Airlines’ record-setting purchase of 50 new aircraft during the Dubai Airshow, Dubai World Central is strategically positioned to service and cater to the needs of the region’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. The aviation district within DWC is the next step in strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading aviation and logistics hub.”

Rashed Bu Qara'a, Chief Operation Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “We are showcasing various opportunities at Dubai World Central to the global aviation community during this year’s Dubai Airshow. There has been positive feedback from the different industry players, especially after seeing first hand the progress of Dubai World Central and understanding our strategic vision to create a multimodal platform for aviation and logistics sectors. Built with future capacity in mind, Dubai World Central will be able to meet the many needs of different companies across the breadth of the aviation sectors.”

The new venue of Dubai Airshow 2013 will encompass a larger area than the current facility and will consist of a grand reception building, two large exhibition halls, and static display areas, which will offer more space to accommodate additional aircraft.

The show’s Royal Pavilion for VIP visitors will be positioned to overview the display line and static display. An exclusive area that commands an excellent view of the showcase has also been earmarked for the press facility along with the control tower. There will also be a special dedicated area for casual visitors to witness the Airshow’s flying displays and to accommodate leisure and entertainment activities for families.

Dubai World Central is one of the most important and strategic projects launched by the Government of Dubai. It has been developed to meet the present and future needs of Dubai's aviation, tourism, trade and logistics sectors.


About Dubai World Central (DWC):
Dubai World Central (DWC) is a strategic initiative of the government of Dubai that strongly positions the emirate as a leading international trade centre. Recognised as the Middle East's first aerotropolis, Dubai World Central is one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in the world comprising the new Al Maktoum International Airport, set to be the world's largest in volume and size upon completion, and the adjacent specialized free zones focused on logistics sectors and aviation industries.

DWC occupies an area of 140 square kilometres in Jebel Ali and is in close proximity to Jebel Ali Sea Port, the sixth largest container terminal in the world. In addition to the dedicated link to Jebel Ali Sea Port, DWC's unique multimodal capabilities are supported by links to all main motorways in the country and the Al Maktoum International Airport, which once complete will handle up to 120 million passengers and 12 million tons of air cargo per year. The airport will also serve as the main gateway to aviation and logistics companies that have already chosen DWC as their base for logistics.

For more information visit: www.dwc.ae