DUBAI”S growth continues and it remains to be seen if it is
sustainable. Two projects were formally announced last week, both tied
in with the state”s national airline Emirates. What is claimed to be
the world”s largest airport project is under way, part of Dubai World
Central, a plan to invest $33bn in the project in Jebel Ali to
include massive cargo facilities, a 36-hole golf course, and
residential and commercial precincts in a 54 sq mile (140 sq km) area.
The airport would have a capacity of 120m per annum with up to six
4500m runways. There will be three terminals, including one dedicated
to Emirates and one to budget airlines. Dubai International, which
handled 24m passengers in 2005, much the same as Stansted, will
continue as the main gateway for most airlines. A few days earlier,
Emirates announced plans to build a futuristic twin tower 77-storey
hotel set to become a new Dubai landmark along Sheikh Zayed Road.
http://www.dubaiairport.com