Khalifa Al Zaffin: The Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation Project is facing a growth spurt with the addition of two new phases of the supplier complex in 2024.

September 7

Khalifa Al Zaffin, CEO of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, expected that the Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation project would record business growth within the next three years, as a result of the revival of the aviation sector, indicating that Dubai South is witnessing many developments, whether In the residential side or aviation-related sectors.

Al-Zafin said, in an interview with Al-Khaleej: “The Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation project will witness the addition of two new phases of the supplier complex during 2024, which is a vertical facility in the region for the maintenance and storage of aircraft parts and spare parts, in addition to the start of construction of the second phase of (Dubai Helipark). To build a hangar for helicopters, and on the residential side, we are preparing for the delivery process (pulse villas), as companies work according to the plans set, and the value of real estate projects within the company’s portfolio reaches more than two billion dirhams, pointing out that after selling plots to develop huge projects, we expect them to It becomes a destination for investors due to its strategic location, within the master plan of “Dubai South”. Below is the text of the dialogue:

Khalifa Al-Zafin

What are the latest new additions to the Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation Project?

Development work continues on the Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation Project in Dubai South, through the construction of new facilities to meet the growing demand by companies operating in the field of aviation, to work on a project that provides advanced infrastructure and distinguished services within the integrated system of Dubai South. At the end of last year, we handed over the supplier complex, to be the first vertical facility in the region for the maintenance and storage of aircraft parts and spare parts, with plans to add two new phases in 2024.

We recently started the construction work for the second phase of the Helicopter Center «Dubai Helipark» to build the hangar. Our plans in Dubai South focus on attracting the most important companies operating in the field of aviation, to contribute to the plans and vision of the wise leadership aimed at making the emirate a leading center for the aviation sector in the world. We expect business to grow further in the Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation Project within the next three years, as a result of the recovery of the aviation sector and its gradual return to pre-pandemic levels.

What is the value of the real estate portfolio for current projects? What are the most prominent developments in current residential projects in the region?

There is no doubt that the residential projects within the portfolio of Dubai South Properties enjoy great attractiveness among investors and residents, thanks to their strategic location, competitive prices and modern facilities. The value of projects within the company’s portfolio exceeds two billion dirhams, including “Al-Nabd Villas”, “Al-Nabd Al-Shati” and “South Bay”. We have recently completed the construction work for the “Pulse Villas” project, and we are preparing for the handover process soon. As for the “Beach Pulse” project, Al-Kharafi Construction Company continues to develop the project according to the previously established plans, while we appointed the “Ginco” General Contracting Company in June of this year to start construction work on the “South Bay” project. In Dubai South Real Estate, we are committed to fulfilling our promises to our clients, and we are proud of the increasing demand by investors and residents for our projects, as we were able to sell all the units offered for sale within many residential projects.

Do you have plans to launch new projects for residential, commercial and retail purposes in the region?

Among the many areas in “Dubai South”, the “Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation” project holds promising potential for expansion in the future, as this is due to the expected growth of the aviation sector in the coming years. There is also the golf area in Dubai South, where we sold plots last year to develop huge projects, and we also expect it to become a destination for investors because of its strategic location within the master plan of «Dubai South».

How many new companies joined Dubai South during the first half of 2023?

During the first half of this year 2023, we issued 242 commercial licenses for companies intending to establish their business or expand in the various areas of “Dubai South”, which confirms the attractiveness of the project thanks to the advanced infrastructure and the distinguished services that we provide, in addition to the smooth connectivity by land, sea and air.

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How did the “Dubai South” logistics zone contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position in this vital sector?

The logistics sector represents one of the most important sectors for achieving sustainable growth of the local economy. With plans to diversify, harmonize regional trade and evolving export regulations, the sector is undergoing massive transformation and is growing at an accelerated pace, especially in Dubai. The emirate is a major transit point and a multi-modal logistics hub to meet the growing demand for global trade.

The logistics district in “Dubai South” plays an important role in this growth, by strengthening the local logistics sector, depending on the services it provides to companies operating in the sector, its strategic location, and the direct connection of the district with “Jebel Ali Port” and the shipping area in “” Al Maktoum International Airport, and all major roads in Dubai. We are proud of our contribution to achieving the government’s vision to develop and grow the logistics sector in the country on a larger scale.

How do you see the performance of the private aviation building in Dubai South? Is there an intention to increase the building area?

The private aviation building in the “Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation” project in “Dubai South” is a comprehensive center, as it provides many services to the owners and tenants of private aircraft, including the operation of international flights, aircraft handling and maintenance, in addition to the presence of a refueling station for private aviation within 20 hours. minute. The private aviation traffic in Dubai South continues to grow year after year, and we expect the number of private aviation flights to increase this year by 15% compared to the previous year, for several reasons, the most important of which is the UAE hosting COP28 to be held in Dubai at the end of this year, in addition to the exhibition Dubai Aviation 2023.

The infrastructure is expensive