With space at a premium at Dubai International today, the expansion of the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic will come through improved processes and new technology over the next five years. From 88 million passengers in 2017 and a forecast 90 million-plus in 2018, Dubai International is expected to hit 118 million by 2023.

By that point, plans to transfer major flight operations (notably those of Emirates Airline) to the new Al Maktoum International should be well advanced. Over the decade ahead, that location, which represents the future of aviation in the emirate, will open a new terminal (phase one is operational), two new concourses, a six-track underground train system, three runways and have capacity for 135 million passengers. The forecasts for later decades are staggering, with passenger demand set to exceed 190 million passengers a year by 2030 and grow rapidly from there – as Dubai aims to cement its status as the major hub linking east and west.

At Dubai International, the company is targeting sales of US$2 billion this year from US$1.93 billion in 2017, as it benefits from retail investment and continuing passenger growth.

Last year Dubai Duty Free opened around 1,800sq m of new space at Dubai International, with more following in 2018. The major refurbishment of Concourse C will be completed by year-end across 4,700sq m of space, with new watches and electronics shops among the highlights.

“The challenge is to broaden the definition of territory,” he says. “All of the airport is a marketplace, which can offer any product for anybody at any time.”

Noting that travellers through Dubai International are “increasingly connected, mobile, impatient, brand-aware and value-driven,” he says the offer must reflect these factors and influences. That means great shopping, new food offers, music, art and technology.