What Al Maktoum International means for Dubai property
The world’s largest airport is being built in Dubai South. Here’s how it is likely to move value across the southern half of the city.
In 2024 Dubai approved a roughly AED 128 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International (DWC) that will eventually make it the largest airport in the world, with capacity for about 260 million passengers a year. Emirates plans to move its entire operation there over the coming decade.
Why an airport moves property prices
Airports are anchors. Jobs, hotels, logistics parks and the people who run them all cluster around them. When Dubai International opened up, Deira grew around it; later hubs pulled value the same way. DWC is being built at a far larger scale, in a part of the city that is still comparatively affordable.
Where to watch
The communities closest to DWC sit in the southern belt: Dubai South, Expo City, Jebel Ali, and newer masterplans such as Emaar South and DAMAC Lagoons. Off-plan pricing there is still well below prime Dubai, which is usually where early investors look first.
- Dubai South: built around the airport and Expo legacy site.
- Emaar South & Tilal Al Ghaf: villa communities within easy reach.
- Jebel Ali: industrial demand plus new residential launches.
A note of caution
Infrastructure timelines slip. The airport’s full build-out runs into the late 2030s. Treat a purchase here as a long hold rather than a quick flip, and buy on today’s fundamentals (rent, payment plan, developer track record), not on the promise alone.
Have a question this raised? Ask a Silver Oak Properties advisor. We reply within the hour.
Get in touch