Multi-billion Dirhams Infrastructure Projects Defy Recession in Dubai

Amidst the rumors of recession and global downturn, multi-billion dirhams infrastructure projects are on full swing in Dubai.

Three major road projects worth Dh2.9 billion were approved recently by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Also, work has begun to expand the combined passenger capacity at Dubai’s two airports – Dubai International and Dubai World Central – to 240 million, from the 190 million initially planned.

The RTA projects, approved by Shaikh Mohammad, include upgrades of Al Wasl Road, Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Road.

New underpasses will be built on Al Wasl Road and the number of lanes on Al Khail Road will be increased from the existing four to six in each direction, in addition to roundabouts being replaced by interchanges. The Trade Centre roundabout will also be replaced by flyovers and a signalized intersection to ease congestion.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport’s Concourse 3 – the last major project at the region’s biggest aviation hub – will be completed by the end of 2011, which will help increase its passenger handling capacity to 80 million from the initially planned 70 million.

When completed, the airport will have three terminals and three concourses, two mega terminals for cargo, an airport free zone, an expo centre with three exhibition halls, a major aircraft maintenance hub and a dedicated flower centre to handle perishable goods movement.

The Dubai Government is investing Dh15 billion for the expansion of Dubai International, and the initial cost for the development of Dubai World Central – the world’s largest integrated aviation hub – has been estimated at Dh30 billion.