Dubai South is quickly becoming a key hub for business and investment.

“Dubai South is integral to maintaining the emirate’s position among the top five key international centres for trade and transportation, as a global business hub, and as a new global destination for investment. It also serves to boost Dubai’s status as a capital of the aviation industry and home of happiness on the way towards implementing the Dubai Plan 2021,” said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group.

Dubai Aviation City Corporation is the parent organisation of Dubai South, a planned city that consists of eight integrated districts — the Logistics District, Aviation District, Golf District, Residential District, Commercial District, Al Maktoum International Airport, Exhibition District, which is home to the Expo 2020 Dubai, and the Humanitarian District — which will ultimately provide 500,000 jobs and host one million people.

“Dubai Government’s total investment, in developing Dubai South, is Dh10 billion to date, plus another Dh10 billion in foreign direct investments. These investments are designed to offer integrated infrastructure that advances the aviation, transportation and logistics industries in the emirate,” Shaikh Ahmad said.

Pivotal role

These industries have always played a pivotal role in Dubai’s success and growth. For example, the total contributions of the aviation industry will amount to 32 per cent of Dubai’s GDP by 2020.

“We are keen on turning Dubai South into an economic and social hub and a perfect place to live, work and invest. We are looking to build a smart and integrated city that defines Dubai’s future and reinforces its leading position globally,” Shaikh Ahmad added.

“We are confident that Dubai South will leverage the emirate’s competitive advantages and will have a significant role in enhancing Dubai’s position as a global logistical hub. Dubai South embodies the future of Dubai,” he said.

“We are determined to make Dubai South a major contributor to enhancing Dubai’s position as one of the fastest growing cities in the world, and turn it into a perfect destination of happiness and prosperity to companies and residents.”

Shaikh Ahmad also believes that Al Maktoum Airport will elevate Dubai’s aviation industry to unprecedented levels.

The airport is currently undergoing expansion that will raise its capacity from seven million to 26.5 million travellers annually by 2017. It is expected that the total capacity of the airport will amount to over 220 million travellers annually, making it the world’s biggest airport when completed. The airport will contain five 4.5km runways, in addition to 400 connection points to facilitate arrival and departure.

Dubai South is also building state-of-the-art infrastructure around Al Maktoum International Airport that will provide connection solutions and unprecedented support for land, air and sea transport.

Operations between Dubai South, Al Maktoum International airport and Jebel Ali Port will be more integrated by 2020.

The Aviation District, spanning an area of seven square kilometres, is also the new permanent home of the Dubai Airshow.

Investments in the Aviation District from 2013 to date totals Dh900 million and there are plans to invest an additional Dh600 million over the next 16 months to develop the infrastructure, build hangars, construct a private aviation terminal, and establish supply chain facilities for the aviation industry.

Covering an area of 18.5 square kilometres, the Logistics District connects land, air and sea transport systems in Dubai as part of its efforts to enhance the emirate’s position as a leading global logistical hub. It also includes a free economic zone that meets the demands of local, regional and international companies.

Source: gulfnews.com