Infrastructure

Dubai is gearing up to build new passenger terminals at the Al Maktoum International Airport. Dubai’s Prime Minister and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took to X (previously Twitter) to reveal plans for the ambitious project. With a construction cost of USD 35 billion, they will be the world’s largest airport terminals, setting a new standard for aviation infrastructure on a global scale. With the global population on the rise, the demand for new infrastructure increases to ensure smooth societal functioning. The development of new roads, highways, railways, and airports is crucial to mitigate urban traffic congestion and modernize outdated infrastructure systems. Imagine how many airports will need to be constructed to meet escalating travel demands and accommodate the increasing number of passengers worldwide. Today, we approved the designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport, and commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation's strategy. Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the… pic.twitter.com/oG973DGRYX — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 28, 2024 Features of the World’s Largest Airport Terminal The new terminals be five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport, taking the capacity of the Al Maktoum International Airport to over 260 million passengers annually. With five passenger terminal buildings and 400 aircraft gates, it will efficiently manage passenger flow, offering a seamless experience. Additionally, there will be five parallel runways and allow handling of more than 12 million tons of cargo annually. It will feature the latest international technologies and sustainability standards, including green building strategies to prioritize energy efficiency and environmental conservation, ensuring a more eco-friendly and innovative approach to aviation infrastructure. Key facts- With the construction of these new terminals, Dubai aims to be the frontrunner in aviation and urban development, showcasing its commitment to innovation and progress on a global scale. They are developing a cutting-edge transportation hub and building an entire city around the airport. Demand for Increasing Infrastructure Development and Net Zero Targets Increasing demand for infrastructure means billions in investment in the coming years, and also taking a sustainable approach. As achieving net-zero emissions has become a primary objective, decarbonizing the built environment becomes essential, and not just operational practices but also the materials utilized in construction. By reducing carbon footprints associated with infrastructure operations and implementing eco-friendly building materials and technologies, we can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of urban development. Embracing sustainability principles in infrastructure development not only helps combat climate change but also fosters resilience and ensures the longevity and efficiency of built structures for future generations.

Infrastructure development is a key pillar to the economic growth of a country. Today, with diminishing boundaries and a growing need for connectivity, there’s a greater demand for strong infrastructure. Furthermore, to achieve net zero targets’ businesses must ensure that infrastructure projects are both efficient and environmentally friendly. Today, we will talk about sustainable infrastructure. Our current infrastructure – energy, transport, building, and water – collectively contributes to more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If we are to meet the targets set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we must prioritize the transformation of our infrastructure to align to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. UN Sustainable Development Goals The UN has defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address global challenges and create a better future for all. These goals encompass a wide range of areas including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and more. Each goal represents a blueprint for collective action to achieve a better and more equitable world by 2030. The 9th goal seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The target is to develop resilient infrastructure with equitable access, promote sustainable industrialization, enhance financial services for small-scale enterprises, upgrade industries for sustainability, boost technological capabilities and innovation, provide support for infrastructure development in developing countries, and increase access to information and communications technology. To achieve this, businesses globally must adhere to ‘good practices’ which will ensure development while respecting environmental and social considerations. Practices to Follow for Sustainable Infrastructure Development The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has defined 10 guiding principles for greener infrastructure development- Modern technology can be a big help here. Bringing AI into the picture, its data-driven insights, predictive analytics, and automation tools can further improve operations and decision-making. Digital twins can help businesses become more efficient, transparent, and accountable in their sustainability efforts, leading to positive environmental, social, and economic impacts.  Sustainable infrastructure is vital for our prosperity. By focusing on environmentally friendly and inclusive development, we can create opportunities for economic growth and community well-being while achieving net zero targets.