Dubai is embarking upon the construction of a $35bn airport terminal that is set to have the world’s largest capacity upon completion, the emirate’s ruler has announced.

Al Maktoum International Airport, situated about 45km south of DXB, commenced operations in 2010 with a single terminal.

Forthcoming terminal will be five times larger than the existing Dubai International Airport and capable of accommodating up to 260 million passengers annually, making it the largest airport in the world.

New airport will accommodate 400 aircraft gates and feature 5 parallel runways and terminal design will reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula.

All operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to the newer Al Maktoum International Airport over the coming years, Sheikh Mohammed said.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow. It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors,” said the Dubai PM.

Sheikh Mohammed added: “We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn. Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global centre.”

Sheikh Mohammed’s announcement highlighted Dubai’s intentions to extend further south. Notably, the nearby Expo 2020 site has already been offering residential properties for prospective buyers.

The airport forms the heart of a greater project, a 140 km2 multiphase development of six clustered zones that includes the Dubai Logistics City (DLC), Commercial City, Residential City, Aviation City and the Golf City.

What interesting times we live in!