Conceptualised by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the Abu Dhabi International Airport scheme is a $2.94bn scheme spread over 700,000 sq m. Part of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, details of the design were released two years ago but only yesterday (27 June 2012) were the official contracts signed.

Ali Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airport Company, said: “Abu Dhabi Airport Company is looking ahead to an exciting five years of growth focusing on increasing traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport and on expanding the airport’s infrastructure to support this growth.”

Construction is due to begin in the third quarter of 2012 and will be approached in two phases. A four year construction phase will be followed by a nine month testing period to ensure safety and security ahead of the official opening.