(DIA), Q1 2013 sees the opening of the 500,000-square-metre Concourse 3, the world’s first terminal dedicated to the A380 mega-jet, a key move of the emirate’s US$7.8 billion aviation masterplan. The 20 gates and 13 remote stands


are geared to accommodate Emirates’ A380 aircraft and will serve to boost the capacity of DIA to more than 75 million passengers annually. In addition, Terminal 2 is currently doubling in size and design work is underway on a new fourth concourse dedicated to the operations of other international airlines. Emirates’ expansion continues unabated


with new routes launched from Dubai to Dublin; Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires; Dallas, Seattle and Washington; Lusaka and Harare; Ho Chi Minh City, Barcelona and Lisbon; and Lyon and Warsaw in 2012, increasing its network reach to nearly 130 destinations on six continents. The airline, which has a fleet in excess


of 170 aircraft with 280 on order, now flies the A380 to 20 destinations, with Paris, Moscow, Melbourne, Tokyo and Amsterdam among the latest additions as well as Shanghai, Munich, Rome and Johannesburg – while the flagship London Heathrow route is now served by five daily flights. Over at Terminal 2, Dubai’s other


airline – the low-cost carrier flydubai – is equally bullish on expansion with 50 cities in its network within three years’ of launch. It is already the second-largest


2


WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN ON THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART AND OPERA HOUSE DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI


carrier operating out of DIA and has the most comprehensive route network to Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on opening up new markets to Dubai, including 13 destinations in the CIS, East and Central Europe, as well as the largest GCC network of all Middle East carriers. All of the above reinforces the


expectation that DIA will become the world’s busiest international airport by 2018, greatly enhancing the city’s credentials as a global meeting venue.


3 With access to Dubai expanding, there


is also good news regarding the necessary twin pillar of accommodation, with more than 26,643 hotel rooms in the construction pipeline, according to data from STR Global, representing a growth of 45.3 percent. While luxury properties remain


on the agenda, the good news for the meetings sector is the proliferation of midscale and budget brands serving to keep prices from spiralling out of reach.


THE PALM GROWS Another trend has been for Palm Jumeirah to gain credence as its own destination with the opening of several new hotels, as well as development plans revealed for even more. In just two years, One&Only The Palm


Dubai has become established as an exquisite palm-fringed retreat, with a multi-function reception area that can cater for up to 70 theatre-style, or for receptions for up to 120. Its dining outlets include Stay by Yannick Alléno with black crystal chandeliers and a new pastry ‘library’ concept (where the pastry kitchen is part of the dining experience), plus the 101 Dining Lounge located at the private marina.


1 & 2 Dubai Museum of Modern Art and Opera House 3 Mövenpick, Jumeirah Lake Towers


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