UAE-based Emirates has commenced construction on a $5.1bn ultra-modern engineering complex in Dubai South, which is scheduled for completion by mid-2030.
The new facility will cover 1.1 million square metres, ranking among the world’s largest buildings by volume and the largest steel structure in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
China Railway Construction Corporation is overseeing the construction, while Artelia serves as the project consultant.
The engineering centre will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability for up to 28 wide-body aircraft simultaneously.
The site will also have two paint hangars and is expected to include the largest free-span hangar, at 285m wide, and the largest landing gear workshop globally.
Emirates plans to dedicate 77,000m² for workshops, 380,000m² for storage and logistics, and create new administrative offices and training facilities totalling 65,000m².
Emirates airline chief executive and group chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and Emirates Airline president Tim Clark, attended the groundbreaking ceremony. Dubai Aviation City Corporation’s executive chairman Khalifa Al Zaffin, and China Railway Construction Corporation chairman Dai Hegen were also present.
Emirates expects the new facility to support aircraft requiring heavy maintenance and manage projects that exceed the capacity at its current engineering centre at Dubai International Airport.
Sustainability standards are being targeted, with all buildings in the complex aiming for LEED Platinum certification and solar panel installations planned across the site.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Today’s groundbreaking for the $5.1bn 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.”
