Emirates has officially broken ground on its new US$5.1 billion engineering complex at Dubai South, a major aviation infrastructure project set to become one of the world’s most advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.
The development reinforces Emirates’ long-term aviation growth strategy while further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for aerospace engineering and aviation services.
World’s Most Advanced MRO Facility Planned
The new Emirates Engineering complex will span 1.1 million square metres, making it one of the largest buildings in the world by volume and the largest steel structure in the GCC.
The project is being delivered by China Railway Construction Corporation, with Artelia appointed as project consultants.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Dai Hegen, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.
Facility Designed For Future Aviation Demand
The mega-facility will include the world’s only hangar complex capable of simultaneously servicing 28 wide-body aircraft, alongside two dedicated aircraft painting hangars.
Among the standout features are the world’s largest free-span hangar with a width of 285 metres, the world’s largest dedicated landing gear workshop, 77,000 square metres of repair and maintenance workshop space, and 380,000 square metres of storage and logistics capacity.
The complex will also include a dedicated administrative building with 50,000 square metres of office space, 15,000 square metres of training facilities, and a gateway facility controlling airside access.
Emirates Highlights Strategic Aviation Expansion
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum described the project as a strategic milestone aligned with Dubai’s future-focused aviation ambitions.
He said the facility would strengthen Emirates Engineering’s vertical integration strategy by bringing specialist capabilities, infrastructure, skills, and parts production under one roof while positioning the airline as a strategic engineering partner for regional and global aviation markets.
He added that the investment aligns directly with Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and supports Dubai’s ambition to remain a global economic and aviation hub.
Dubai South Reinforces Aviation Leadership
His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin said the project marked another milestone in developing the aviation ecosystem surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, which is expected to become the world’s largest airport once completed.
He said the new engineering complex would strengthen Dubai’s ability to meet rising global demand for advanced aviation maintenance services while reinforcing its position as a benchmark for aviation innovation and long-term industry growth.
Construction Targeted For 2030 Completion
Emirates said the new engineering facility is expected to set new sustainability benchmarks, with all buildings targeting LEED Platinum certification and solar panels planned across the complex.
Construction is scheduled for completion by mid-2030, with the hangar complex initially supporting heavy maintenance operations and overflow projects from the existing Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International Airport.
