Dubai’s Strategic Plan depends on the creation of a world-class infrastructure to enable Dubai’s future success in terms of commerce, tourism and industry. 

Entrusted with the Dubai Government’s vision of becoming the world’s leading aviation hub, Dubai Airports is forging ahead with the multi-billion dollar expansion of Dubai International Airport and the construction of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International, the world's largest airport.  Dedicated to the operation of Emirates Airline, the new Terminal 3 at Dubai International will cement a partnership which befits the fastest-growing airline in the world.

In order to meet the challenge of successfully growing and managing this world-beating aviation enterprise, Dubai Airports embarked on a far-reaching restructuring initiative in 2007, which was endorsed by a decree from HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, creating a commercial entity, fully accountable for its own actions and separate from the former government body of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). 

This initiative entails building a strong company structure and robust systems and processes, supported by a motivated and dedicated team of professionals who are able to direct the company to achieve the strategic vision for the present and future aviation infrastructure of Dubai. 

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, added his endorsement to the plans to transform the structure and performance of the organisation. “The restructuring is a strategic step in achieving our goals,” he said.

"I understand very well that times of change are unsettling, but I am confident that all Dubai Airports staff are loyal to the organisation and committed to making a success of the changes necessary to accomplish the vision, not only for the development of the company, but to fulfil the essential part that Dubai Airports plays in the strategic development of Dubai."

The first part of the restructuring programme is substantially complete, with the transformation of the company into a more transparent and flatter organisation, with systems and processes redesigned for greater efficiency.

As the company builds an aviation hub to serve the global community, the second part of the restructuring is to ensure that the organisation develops the required management talent to deliver the promise of the highest international standards of customer service.

Following recent staff assessments and a review of job descriptions to better align with the aims and commercial realities of Dubai Airports, a wholesale revision of the structure of reward and remuneration is being carried out to ensure that the attraction and retention of the best people can be linked to a system of performance and reward, which will match international best practice and standards. 

To further support the goals of the new company, a team of professionals with world-class experience gained in the commissioning and operation of some of the world's most significant airport developments such as Beijing, New York/JFK and Toronto have been contracted to work with the Dubai Airports team to ensure the new facilities are amongst the best in the world.

Within a workforce of some 3,800 people, Dubai Airports aims to increase employment opportunities for UAE Nationals as the company expands. 

Currently, 43 per cent of Dubai Airports staff are UAE nationals and that number is set to increase to meet the future needs of the organisation, both at Dubai International Airport and at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International. 

Dubai Airports is about to launch a development programme specifically for UAE nationals to ensure they develop their skills and knowledge further to help them fulfil their career aspirations and become a strong force amongst the company's leaders of the future.