Dubai
The international airport accommodates over 90 million travelers annually and ranks among the biggest globally.
However, even though it is significant
travel
The hub’s CEO has confirmed that the airport will be closing.
Boss Paul Griffiths stated that after Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) starts operations, there won’t be a requirement for both airports to stay open simultaneously.
‘There isn’t much logic in running two large hubs so near to each other,’ he stated. ‘Every single service will be transferred to DWC.’
This announcement may stun the 6.2 million British travelers who visit the gleaming city annually, amounting to approximately 17,000 tourists from the UK entering Dubai International Airport each day.
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Addressing an audience at the Arabian Travel Market, Paul highlighted that Dubai International (DXB), which is now 65 years old, has become too outdated for effective maintenance.
When responding to a query from
Skift
He stated: “By then, each individual asset at DXB will be nearing the conclusion of its operational lifespan, making it economically unfeasible to keep DXB running without injecting substantial funds.”
Although an exact closing date wasn’t provided for Dubai International, we’re aware that the revamped Al Maktoum will open in 2032 and isn’t expected to be entirely finished until sometime in the 2050s — which means there’s still plenty of time left at DXB.
What might happen to Dubai International? It could end up being transformed into valuable property, which is frequently the case in the continually expanding city.
‘DXB will be closed down, and we’ll revamp the region. This will expand the city,’ Paul stated.
Al Maktoum has been operational since 2010 for cargo operations and started accepting passenger aircraft in 2013. At present, EasyJet runs some flights at this location.
However, DWC is now overshadowed by DXB, and a minimal number of passengers are aware of its existence.
However, this is about to change following an announcement in 2024 regarding a $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum airport. This upgrade will make it five times larger than DXB, enabling it to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually.
A total of five enormous runways will be available, capable of handling 400 aircraft gates.
Dubai is somewhat of
a divisive city
– it’s been
labeled as the most ‘overhyped’ globally
, consistently ranking at the top of most ‘popularity’ charts according to sites like TripAdvisor.
Currently, both
British Airways
and
Emirates
run routes out of London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh.
Believe Dubai lacks character? Visit its Highlands.
Situated 90 minutes southeast of Dubai is
Hatta
, known as ‘Dubai’s Highlands’.
As someone who often visits Dubai, I catch myself
regularly defending the city
, and Hatta clearly demonstrates that there is far more to this police force than initially apparent.
Previously part of Omani territory, the Hajar Mountains that flank the Hatta Dam extend into this region as well.
Oman
The location initially began as an agricultural settlement and stands as one of the earliest conserved historic sites in the region.
UAE
Now, it’s undergoing a transformation into a popular tourist destination.
The Hatta Dam might be the most favored location for visitors. There, you have the option to rent kayaks or an array of various watercrafts based on your group’s size as well as your preference for exertion levels.
The recently launched Aerial Adventure Park features the UAE’s tallest ‘giant swing’ at 12 meters, along with three distinct zip-lining options and a bungee-style activity known as a bag jump, allowing participants to plunge into a large safety cushion. Various package deals are available based on whether you prefer swinging, jumping, or throwing yourself off specific attractions within the park.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, head over to The Camel Farm within the Al Marmook Conservation Reserve (which has an entry fee of only £6). This spot offers a great family-oriented environment where visitors can enjoy camel rides or even participate in camel hug therapy. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to observe various wildlife native to the desert, such as gazelles, oryxes, and desert foxes.
History enthusiasts can delve into Hatta’s past at the Hatta Heritage Village and scale the towers of its main attraction, Hatta Fort, constructed in 1896, to enjoy sweeping vistas of the area.
Have a tale you’d like to tell?
Reach out via email
LifestyleTeam@.co.uk
.
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