The phase 1 completion of the Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International airport demonstrates the significant, ongoing development of the first aerotropolis in the Middle East, said a top official.

Heralding the opening of Al Maktoum International for cargo operations, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said, the Government of Dubai remains fully committed to the timely realisation of the airport and Dubai World Central as whole.

He emphasised that Dubai World Central would support the emirate’s aviation, tourism, commercial and logistics requirements through 2050 and beyond.

'There is no doubt that this multi-modal logistics hub will provide significant benefits to the economy of Dubai and the wider region, particularly at a time when the transportation and logistics sector is playing an increasingly important role in the city’s rapidly diversifying economy,' he remarked.

'The inauguration serves as a timely reminder to regional and international stakeholders of the strength of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to meeting the long-term infrastructure growth and capital requirements of our city,” Sheikh Ahmed added.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the opening of Al Maktoum International represents another milestone in the ongoing development of the Dubai World Central master project.

“Located at the crossroads of global trade flows, Dubai World Central is the region’s first aerotropolis, providing multi-modal transportations solutions, international connectivity and the kind of operational predictability that is vital to today’s fast-cycle business environment,' he pointed out.

“The opening of our new airport will complement additional components of the larger Dubai World Central project, including free-zone commercial, residential and educational facilities,” Al Zaffin said.

“Linking Dubai to the world through air, sea and road, Dubai World Central is an integrated solution to the 21st century challenges of global trade and transport,” said Rashed Buqara'a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation.

“Today more than ever, Dubai is uniquely positioned to offer the global business community competitive advantages that will help achieve improved customer care, reduced costs and a greater supply-chain predictability, contributing to the growth of the city and wider region,” Buqara’a added.-TradeArabia News Service