Abu Dhabi breaks ground at new Zayed International Airport cargo terminal

The airport company said that the facility, spanning approximately 90,000 square meters is designed to handle between 1 million and 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Abu Dhabi Airports groundbreaking ceremony at Zayed International Airport. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports

UAE-based general contractor RAQ Contracting has been awarded the contract to build the new terminal.

Abu Dhabi Airports said the EMCT would become a catalyst for trade and investment in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub.

Elena Sorlini, managing director and chief executive officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The EMCT is a cornerstone of our vision to transform Abu Dhabi into a global logistics powerhouse. This facility will enhance our cargo handling capacity, create new business opportunities, and contribute significantly to the emirate’s economic diversification.”

Rami Al Qaisi, president and CEO at RAQ Contracting, said that RAQ was “committed to leveraging our expertise and utilising high-quality, locally sourced materials to construct a sustainable and efficient facility that meets the highest international standards.”

Abu Dhabi International Airport was renamed Zayed International Airport in February 2024 following the opening of a new 742,000 square meter passenger terminal building  in November 2023 which is now one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world.

The new structure (also known as Terminal A) was previously known as Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal Building.

In 2012 Abu Dhabi Airports signed a US$2.9 billion contract with a joint venture of contractors comprising Arabtec Holding, Athens-based Consolidated Contractors and Turkey-based TAV to build the Midfield Terminal.

The project was originally due for completion in 2017 but faced significant delays prompting the airport company to cancel the construction contract in 2021 after Arabtec Holding filed for liquidation.

Reuters reported that Abu Dhabi-based Trojan Construction Group was then appointed to complete the remainder of the project.