Long-term plans to transform Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International) into a 260-million-passenger super-hub took a concrete step on 7 May when Dubai Airports chief Paul Griffiths revealed that the airport’s phase-two terminal will feature a station on the national Etihad Rail network. The rail link will connect the new terminal to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates, slashing overland transfer times and reducing reliance on road transport. A complementary Airport Express and the Dubai Metro Gold Line are also planned, creating a multimodal spine that planners say is essential if DWC is to assume the long-haul traffic currently handled by DXB. For mobility planners the development means future assignees could reach the airport from downtown Dubai in under 25 minutes and from Abu Dhabi in just over 50, opening new options for duty-of-care routing and cost-effective weekend travel. Cargo and logistics operators anticipate smoother air-sea-rail integration around Jebel Ali port. Construction of the 42-kilometre Gold Line begins next year, with both rail projects scheduled to open alongside DWC’s first concourses in 2032. Despite recent regional security shocks, Griffiths stressed that funding and timelines remain on track.
Source: The National
