Ahmad Bin Saeed: We Strive to Develop Smart Airports That Meet Future Aspirations

The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia regions are making significant investments to enhance airport infrastructure, expand passenger capacity, and improve connectivity through the integration of smart technologies utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
New airport construction projects in these areas are advancing rapidly, with 78.7% of the total project value currently in pre-execution or execution phases. Saudi Arabia holds the largest share at 42.5%, followed by the UAE at 26.8%, and Bahrain at 7.6%.
Sustainability is a key focus for airports, which are innovating in renewable energy, electric and autonomous vehicles, energy-efficient building designs, waste reduction, and digital tools that streamline operations.
Contract Attraction
Numerous airports will showcase their new projects and acquire necessary technological products during the 25th edition of the Airports Exhibition, scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 12 to 14 next year. It is anticipated that over 150 exhibitors from more than 30 countries will participate, alongside more than 7,000 visitors from over 30 nations during this three-day event, including 120 hosted buyers.
The event is endorsed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and President of the Emirates Group. Accompanying conferences include the Global Airport Leaders Forum, Middle East Airport Security, Air Traffic Control Forum, and the “Women in Aviation” in the Middle East.
Developing Smarter Airports
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum stated, “We share a vision to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable airports while enhancing services and facilities for airlines and travelers. At the Airports Exhibition 2026, we come together to explore solutions, unify visions, and outline the future of airports.”
Maya Ismail, the director of the exhibition organized by RX Global, emphasized, “Airports in this region play a vital role as the number of global travelers is expected to reach 17.7 billion by 2043. This densely populated area is poised to significantly influence the evolving air travel landscape through substantial investments in airport infrastructure and passenger experience improvements.” According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger traffic in the Middle East is projected to reach 530 million by 2043.
GCC Nations Undertaking $183 Billion Expansion Projects
Officials expect the airport infrastructure market in the Middle East and Africa to grow at an annual rate exceeding 5.45% between 2025 and 2030. In July 2025, the British analytics firm Global Data reported that the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are pursuing 48 renovation, expansion, and new construction projects, totaling approximately $182.6 billion.
Major projects in Dubai and Jeddah account for nearly 80% of airport development spending in the Middle East and North Africa. Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is undergoing a massive expansion to become the world’s largest airport, featuring five parallel runways and 400 gates, with a target capacity of processing 260 million passengers annually. The expected cost of the airport stands at 128 billion AED ($34.8 billion).
The expansion of Sharjah International Airport’s terminal is slated for completion by 2026, while Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is set for an ambitious expansion to be finished by 2028. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is undergoing a $31 billion investment to accommodate 114 million passengers annually, expected to finish by 2031. King Salman International Airport in Riyadh aims to build six parallel runways with a capacity for 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tons of cargo, while the Red Sea International Airport is projected to serve one million passengers annually upon its completion in 2030. The new Hajj and Umrah terminal in Jeddah is anticipated to handle 15 million travelers yearly, expected to be ready by 2025. The Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina plans to establish a new domestic terminal (T2) and upgrade the existing international terminal (T1). The new airport in Abha aims to increase its capacity tenfold to 13 million passengers per year.
In Iraq, three major airports are expected to open by 2025 to meet the rising travel demand. Oman’s Musandam Airport is on track for completion by the end of 2026 with an investment of $250 million. In Kuwait, a new triangular passenger terminal will increase the airport’s capacity to 50 million passengers annually when operational in 2025-2026. This terminal will include the world’s largest aviation museum. Bahrain is developing a new terminal at its international airport with a capacity of 40 million passengers to replace the current building.
Rafic Hariri International Airport is planning to boost its capacity to 20 million passengers annually by 2030 through the construction of a second passenger terminal at a cost between $400 million and $500 million.
Airport Expansions in South Asia Aiming for Over 100 Million Passengers by 2043
Asian airports are rapidly expanding to accommodate over 100 million passengers by 2043. India has the second-largest airport construction plans in Asia and South Asia, exceeding $32 billion, aiming to double its number of airports to reach 350 by 2047.
24 Infrastructure Projects in Africa
Africa expects to see passenger traffic double to 300 million annually by 2040. According to IATA reports, Africa will host eight of the 10 fastest-growing air travel markets by 2034. CAPA reports that 24 ongoing airport infrastructure projects in Africa are valued at $2.3 billion, averaging $96 million per project.
Ethiopia is building the continent’s largest airport, Bole International Airport, expected to be completed by 2029, with an annual capacity of 110 million passengers. This $7.8 billion project aims to be the largest and busiest airport in Africa by handling 60 million passengers annually. Morocco plans to double the capacity of Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca to 45 million travelers by 2029, investing $2.5 billion in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, which the nation will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The expansion includes a new H-shaped terminal, a new 3,700-meter runway, and high-speed train connections. Cairo International Airport is also planning an expansion that will increase its capacity by 30 million passengers by 2027.
A new $2 billion airport in Rwanda is scheduled to open in 2027 or 2028, initially designed for seven million passengers, with long-term plans for 14 million. The second airport in Lagos, valued at $900 million, will handle five million travelers annually. TAV Airports has committed to invest over $200 million in developing the Lagos airport. Angola is also constructing Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport to serve as a major international gateway and air cargo hub in the continent.
In South Africa, Cape Town International Airport will undergo significant upgrades starting in 2026, including a new runway, expansions of domestic and international terminals, and enhanced security systems. Lanseria International Airport near Johannesburg is also set for substantial development starting in 2026.