Dubai: Emirates has broken ground on its new US$ 5.1 billion engineering complex at Dubai South, slated to become the world's most modern and advanced maintenance, repairs, and overhaul (MRO) facility, cementing Emirates' and Dubai's leadership in global aviation capability and infrastructure.
According to Emirates News Agency, Emirates' new engineering facility is being delivered by China Railway Construction Corporation, a leading construction and infrastructure development company, with Artelia appointed as the project consultants. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group; Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline; Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South; and Dai Hegen, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed highlighted that the new facility strengthens Emirates Engineering's vertical integration strategy by consolidating skills, infrastructure, parts production, and specialist capabilities under one roof. This positions the airline to serve as a strategic engineering partner for future regional and global aviation industry requirements while aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Khalifa Al Zaffin remarked that the groundbreaking of this facility represents a milestone in advancing aviation infrastructure surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the largest upon completion. He emphasized the project's role in enhancing Dubai's capabilities to meet the growing demand for advanced aviation services while reinforcing the emirate's position as a global benchmark for aviation excellence and long-term industry growth.
Dai Hegen stated that the project reflects the cooperation between China and the UAE, aligning with the consensus reached by their heads of state and Dubai's economic development vision. Hegen assured that China Railway Construction Corporation will uphold core values and mobilize resources to deliver a high-standard construction, contributing to deepening bilateral economic and trade ties between China and the UAE.
The engineering facility at Dubai South will span 1.1 million square meters, making it one of the largest buildings in the world by volume and the largest steel structure in the GCC. It will feature a hangar complex capable of servicing 28 wide-body aircraft simultaneously, two painting hangars, and the world's largest free-span hangar at a width of 285 meters. The facility will include a 77,000 square meter dedicated workshop space, a 380,000 square meter storage and logistics capacity, and two state-of-the-art paint hangars.
The project also aims for sustainability with all facilities targeting a LEED Platinum rating and solar panels installed on roofs across the complex. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2030, with the hangar complex initially servicing aircraft requiring heavy maintenance and spillover projects from the Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
