Dubai World Central to go live in 2010, says HH Sheikh Ahmed

His statement came prior to this year's edition of the Airport Show being held from May 19-21 at Dubai Airport Expo which is expected to throw the spotlight on the region's ongoing Dhs220bn airport infrastructure investment.

"Our vision for Dubai is to be an unparalleled global commercial, trade and transportation hub with a unique integrated multi-modal logistics platform in DWC which will change all known air, land and sea transportation parameters,"

said HH Sheikh Ahmed.

"At the core of this airport city will be the world's largest airport, DWC-Al Maktoum International, which once operational next year will not only draw business and trade to it but also create huge residential and commercial opportunities. While we have extended the opening date of the project to accommodate all related construction, licensing and regulatory standards, we have not lost sight of the long-term vision of Dubai's most strategically important infrastructure development which is designed to support Dubai's aviation, tourism, commercial and logistics requirements until 2050 and beyond," he added.

Dubai Aviation City Corporation incorporates both Dubai World Central and Dubai Airports Company.

Meanwhile, Dubai Logistics City (DLC), a core component of DWC's multi-modal proposition, has begun licensing completed warehouses and logistics offices and handing over facilities to tenants to commence operations on-site.

At the airport, the construction of the first of its 16 cargo terminals has been completed, well on its way to achieving the project's ultimate goal of having an annual cargo capacity of 12 million tonnes. With a capacity of 200,000 tonnes and spread over 41,000 square metres of built up area, the terminal's capacity can be expanded to 600,000 tonnes, if required.

"The completion of Dubai World Central's first cargo terminal is a significant milestone in the project's history," said HH Sheikh Ahmed. "Dubai's forward looking government continues to support DWC's thrust towards building a facility which will not only enable trade and commerce to continue in these troubled economic times, but also look positively at how DWC can support the future of business in the Middle East."

The first passenger terminal too is 80% complete with MEP works ongoing. This terminal will have an eventual capacity of seven million passengers with the airport's ultimate capacity being 160 million annually.

"Construction on all related infrastructure works is continuing with all our stakeholders recognising the fact that Dubai World Central is a committed Dubai government project; and once the global economic recession tides out its cycle, work towards its final master plan will resume at its original pace," explained HH Sheikh Ahmed.

Another major achievement is the construction of the Middle East's tallest free standing Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower which has been completed. Currently, the tower is being fitted with all navigational aids.

Standing at 91 metres, the ATC facility also includes a separate technical block of 6,000 square metres which will house offices, operations, technical rooms, flight simulators and a meteor observation cabin.

In addition, the facility has an airside / landside interface with secured access to airside, offering air traffic controllers the ability to handle multiple airborne airplanes as well as on-ground aircraft.

"The completion of construction of the ATC tower at Dubai World Central is a giant step forward for the region's aviation sector which has constantly seen growth every year," said HH Sheikh Ahmed. "The completion of these facilities indicates the progress we are making towards the opening of the airport next year and eventually of the entire development across its several components."

Besides DWC-Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai World Central comprises DLC and DWC Aviation City, surrounded by its real estate offerings - DWC Residential City, DWC Commercial City and DWC Golf City.