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China begins $5B aviation complex in Dubai amid Iran tensions

architecture-design · 2026-05-21

China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has broken ground on a $5 billion aviation complex in Dubai South, United Arab Emirates, one of the largest construction deals by a Chinese builder in the region. The project includes eight large maintenance hangars covering 1.21 million square meters, with completion expected by 2030. CRCC chairman Dai Hegen stated that Chinese companies are increasingly active in Middle East infrastructure as China-UAE cooperation deepens. The launch comes amid lingering risks from the Iran war.

Key facts

  • CRCC launched construction on Monday.
  • Project worth over US$5 billion.
  • Complex located in Dubai South, formerly Dubai World Central.
  • Includes eight large maintenance hangars for aircraft storage.
  • Covers about 1.21 million square meters.
  • Completion expected by 2030.
  • One of the largest construction deals by a Chinese builder in the region.
  • Dai Hegen is chairman of CRCC.

Entities

Institutions

  • China Railway Construction Corporation
  • Xinhua

Locations

  • Dubai South
  • Dubai
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Middle East
  • China
  • Iran

Sources