Transport

The combination of Dubai’s central location and advanced infrastructure have attracted trade operators from around the world, and the emirate continues its legacy as a shipping point between East and West. In 2011 transportation, along with logistics, tourism and trade, accounted for 60% of Dubai’s GDP, the result of a number of recent investments. Authorities have initiated a $523m plan to build a series of interchanges and bridges to help increase traffic flow on Al Khail Road, one of the emirate’s most congested highways, while plans to increase aviation capacity should have a number of positive knock-on effects for other projects, facilities and aviation-related service providers. With major developments such as these – and growing trade volumes to support it – Dubai’s transport sector is set to be on steady footing in coming years. This chapter includes interviews with Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman and Executive Director, Roads and Transport Authority; Mohammed Ahli, Director-General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Tim Clark, President, Emirates; Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports; and Jamal bin Thaniah, Vice-Chairman, DP World.