Dubai Confirms DXB Shutdown for Al Maktoum Shift

Big changes are coming to Dubai’s aviation landscape—and we’re not just talking bigger runways. With the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport on track for completion by 2032, officials have confirmed that Dubai International Airport (DXB) will officially be retired.

While that may sound like the end of an era, it’s actually the start of a wild new chapter—one that could redefine what cities look like in the future.

DXB’s closure has launched a wave of speculation and ambition, with experts, urban planners, and developers lining up to reimagine the prime real estate.

“Any redevelopment plan must be rooted in a data-driven understanding of Dubai’s evolving urban needs, demographic trends, and mobility patterns,” said Dr. Rana Shakaa of the American University of Sharjah.

So… what’s the plan?

At the Arabian Travel Market, Paul Griffiths, CEO of DXB, revealed that redeveloping the site is high on the agenda. “We’re right up against Sharjah in the north,” he said. “So redeveloping the area could help spread the city out and potentially ease current traffic challenges.”

With 29 square kilometers of land, real estate leaders are eyeing the plot as the ultimate blank canvas for Dubai’s next urban masterpiece. Think: luxe residences, green public spaces, sustainable commercial hubs, and maybe even a few AI-powered playgrounds?

From runways to greenways?

Urban sustainability experts say this could be more than just another concrete jungle. It’s a chance to create something globally iconic—especially for cities in desert climates.

“It should be transformed into a climate-resilient, biodiverse, and inclusive urban nature district,” said Phillip Dunn of Expo City Dubai. “Think rewilded zones, carbon capture areas, and public spaces designed to cool the city and boost human health.”

Hold the bulldozers (for now)

While everyone’s buzzing about the potential, experts also want to respect the site’s legacy.

“Preserving architectural traces and experiential elements of the airport is important,” said Dr. Rana. After all, DXB has been one of the world’s busiest airports—and letting go of that history shouldn’t be rushed.

Developers are all in

For Dubai’s real estate world, the DXB shutdown is being seen as a major win.

“This initiative is a win on every level—urban, economic, and environmental,” said Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1. She compared the plan to Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport, where the closure led to a massive, people-first transformation.

TL;DR:

Dubai is saying goodbye to DXB by 2032—but hello to something way more futuristic, walkable, and green. Al Maktoum Airport will take the travel spotlight, while DXB’s sprawling land could become one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects the region’s ever seen.