Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest hub for international travel, is set to relocate to a new aviation facility situated in the city-state's expansive southern desert region, per ABC News. This move, projected to materialize "within the next 10 years," carries a staggering price tag of nearly $35 billion.

Although plans for the relocation have been in consideration for some time, they were delayed due to the economic repercussions of Dubai's downturn in 2009.

The plan to move operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central is deemed "monumental" for Emirates, Dubai's leading long-haul airline. This move comes as Emirates seeks to recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. 

In his online proclamation, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the strategic foresight behind the project, framing it as a cornerstone for the sustained prosperity of future generations. He envisions Dubai as a preeminent global nexus for air transport, commerce, and urban development.

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New Dubai International Airport

The striking design of the proposed new airport was illustrated through computer-generated images showcasing a sleek, curved terminal reminiscent of traditional Bedouin tents. It also includes five parallel runways and accommodates 400 aircraft gates, a departure from the limited setup of Dubai International Airport (DXB), which currently has just two runways.

The plan to move operations to Al Maktoum International Airport, located about 45 kilometers from DXB, is a major step toward expansive growth and progress. Since its inception in 2010, this airport has evolved into a multifaceted facility, catering to various aviation functions, including cargo handling, and serving as the venue for esteemed events such as the Dubai Air Show.

Dubai's forward-looking agenda transcends aviation. It sets its sights on establishing an urban center around the Dubai South Airport. This will address the surging need for housing while attracting top-tier companies in the logistics and air transport industries.

While Dubai aims for big goals, the country acknowledges that it takes a lot of strength and planning, especially with the recent heavy rains that delayed thousands of people from their flights.

READ MORE: Dubai Struggles to Bounce Back After United Arab Emirates Floods Delayed Airport Flight Schedules