Letter of Intent Worth 3.5 Billion Dollars from the United Kingdom for Al Maktoum International Airport

International investment momentum for the expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport continues to strengthen. The UK Export Finance (UKEF) has issued a Letter of Intent worth 3.5 billion dollars.

A major boost for Dubai’s aviation future was announced today at Dubai Airshow 2025. The UK Export Finance (UKEF) issued a 3.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent to support the participation of UK companies in the 35 billion dollar expansion project of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

The Letter of Intent Was Presented by the UK Minister of Trade Bryant

The Letter of Intent prepared for Al Maktoum International Airport was presented at a ceremony held at the Dubai South stand during the Dubai Airshow. The document was handed over by the UK Minister of Trade Sir Chris Bryant to H. E. Eng. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. The ceremony was attended by the British Ambassador to the UAE Edward Hobart, senior executives from Dubai Airports, DACC, DAEP and Dubai South, officials from the British Embassy in the UAE, visiting ministerial delegations, aviation sector stakeholders and members of the international media.

This development marks the first international letter of intent of its kind issued for the DWC mega project and demonstrates strong global confidence in Dubai’s long-term aviation strategy and economic vision. It also reflects the increasing international interest in one of the most significant airport infrastructure projects of this generation.

Bryant: Al Maktoum International Airport Creates Significant Opportunities for British Suppliers

Speaking at the ceremony, Sir Chris Bryant said: “This Letter of Intent for up to 3.5 billion dollars issued by UK Export Finance represents an important milestone that once again strengthens the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and Dubai and its pioneering world-class infrastructure projects. Al Maktoum International Airport is set to redefine the future of global aviation, creating significant opportunities for British suppliers to showcase their advanced technologies.”

Zaffin: Our Focus is to Strengthen the Vision of Making Dubai the Aviation Capital of the World

H.E. Eng. Khalifa Al Zaffin stated: “The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is being carried out through a structured programme integrating advanced engineering, resilient design and long-term planning. This step provides valuable international support to a project built on technical standards and a disciplined implementation framework. Our focus is to strengthen the vision of making Dubai the aviation capital of the world by creating the infrastructure that will unlock the next stage of Dubai’s aviation growth.”

Anani: We Welcome the Participation of UK Suppliers in the Process

Suzanne Al Anani said: “This Letter of Intent reflects strong international confidence in the engineering-led and disciplined delivery of the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion. As the master developer and engineering authority for the project, DAEP is focused on clear technical specifications, modular construction, sustainability and resilient infrastructure that will serve Dubai for decades. As we move into the next phases, we welcome the participation of qualified UK suppliers through our procurement frameworks.”

Griffiths: The Letter of Intent Adds International Momentum and Will Connect Communities

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths described this development as an important milestone for the project and stated: “The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how an airport should function and how the journey of the future should feel. This Letter of Intent adds international momentum to a project that will transform capacity, connect communities and provide a new level of experience for hundreds of millions of passengers. The long-term vision for Al Maktoum International Airport is clear and the support announced today strengthens our ability to realise it.”

An Airport Designed for the Next 50 Years of Aviation Growth

The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport will deliver an airport designed for the next 50 years of aviation growth. The initial phase, expected to be operational in the early 2030s, will have an annual capacity of 150 million passengers, with long-term plans to increase this figure to 260 million. The project’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability and integrated transport systems will further strengthen Dubai’s position as a global gateway for people, commerce and the future of mobility.

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