On the 18 November 2025, a major international boost to Dubai’s aviation future was announced as the UK Export Finance (UKEF) issued a $3.5 billion Expression of Interest letter to support the participation of UK businesses in the $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central (DWC).
ADS Group and the British Aviation Group (BAG) welcomed the announcement with the following statement.
ADS Group and the British Aviation Group (BAG) welcomes the UK Government’ £2.7bn ($3.5bn) Expression of Interest to support UK business involvement in the expansion of Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, announced yesterday at the Dubai Airshow. This is a significant milestone for both the UK’s aviation and aerospace sectors collectively.
We have worked in close partnership with the Department for Business and Trade UAE and UK Export Finance to secure this pivotal commitment, creating a clear pathway for UK suppliers to deliver world class expertise in planning, design, engineering, digital innovation and sustainable airport operations. Al Maktoum International Airport is set to redefine the future of global aviation, and we are delighted that UK companies will play a central role in shaping its success.
As the leading representative bodies for UK aviation, airport development, and aerospace, this announcement has the potential to have a transformative impact on our members and the wider UK supply chain. Expanding our international footprint remains critical to unlocking growth and driving innovation for an industry that already delivers over £13.5bn to the UK economy each year.
As we pass the halfway point of this year’s Dubai Airshow, we continue to connect our members with opportunities to grow internationally. If you’re at the airshow, visit the UK Pavilion to meet some of the UK’s leading aerospace and aviation businesses.
We look forward to carrying this momentum into the new year as the sector gathers for the Farnborough International Airshow, continuing to connect UK suppliers with transformative global opportunities.
