UK Export Finance pledges $3.5 billion to support DWC expansion

The UK government's export credit agency, UK Export Finance, has issued a $3.5 billion Expression of Interest to support British involvement in the $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC).

The letter — the first international expression of interest for the mega-project — was handed over by UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant to Dubai aviation leaders at a ceremony at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday.

The move signals strong global confidence in Dubai’s long-term aviation strategy and one of the world’s largest airport infrastructure projects.

Chris Bryant said the commitment underscores the UK’s long-standing partnership with Dubai and opens major opportunities for British companies as Al Maktoum International “redefines the future of global aviation.”

Dubai officials welcomed the support, saying the expansion is being delivered through advanced engineering, resilient design and long-term planning. They highlighted opportunities for qualified UK suppliers as the project scales up.

Dubai Airports' CEO Paul Griffiths called the expansion a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” that will transform capacity and the travel experience for hundreds of millions of passengers.

The ceremony was attended by senior UAE and UK officials and aviation industry leaders.

The expanded Al Maktoum International is designed to support the next 50 years of growth.

The first phase, expected in the early 2030s, will handle up to 150 million passengers annually, with capacity ultimately rising to 260 million.

The project emphasises innovation, sustainability and integrated transport, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub.