What Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects does

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) is an autonomous Dubai government entity, operating under the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Aviation City Corporation since being constituted by law in 2012 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. DAEP's mandate covers the master-planning, design, engineering, construction and operational readiness of Dubai's aviation infrastructure. It oversees Dubai International (DXB), the world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic for ten consecutive years (87 million passengers in 2023 rising to 92.3 million in 2024, against 115 million capacity), and Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) at Dubai World Central, the world's largest airport under development within the 140 sq km Dubai South aerotropolis, approved at AED 128 billion ($34.87 billion) for a new passenger terminal targeting 2032 operations and an ultimate capacity of 260+ million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.

DAEP delivers its mandate through ten integrated service lines: master-planning, architecture, smart airport solutions, engineering, project management, construction and operational readiness (ORAT), commercial management, stakeholder management, projects reliability assurance, and consultants management. Its technology stack incorporates Building Information Modeling (ISO 19650 compliant), AI-powered security screening (3D CT scanners), biometric systems (iris and palm), RFID boarding, smart passenger tracking, and a contracted unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) platform. Named sub-products include the world's largest terminal (DXB T3), the first purpose-built A380 facility (Concourse A), Concourse B/C/D, the Cargo Mega Terminal (3.3 million tonnes annual capacity), and the Southern Runway at DXB, alongside AMIA's Active and Ultimate phases. The organization is certified across ISO 9001, 14001, 19650, 21500, 22301, 27001, 30401, 31000, 45001, 56002-2 and 20000-1, and has accumulated four-plus decades of regional and global innovation awards.

DAEP has no commercial product sales. Its revenue model is sovereign-budget flow-through: government-funded capex programmes at DXB and AMIA, awarded and executed through formal government procurement, public tendering, and a vendor pre-qualification portal (preq.daep.ae). Pricing is not publicly disclosed. Beneficiary and counterpart segments include Emirates (anchor at T3 and Concourses B/C), flydubai (T2), 100+ international airlines (T1 and Concourse D), cargo operators, Dubai Air Navigation Services (UTM co-development), and the broader Dubai tourism and logistics ecosystem. International partners such as Smiths Detection (3D CT scanners), ANRA Technologies (UTM), CRRC, Hitachi and Woojin (smart mobility), supported by a US$3.5 billion UK Export Finance Expression of Interest, are increasingly embedded into the delivery model.

Name

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects

Legal name

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects

Website

https://daep.gov.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) is a Dubai government entity that designs, develops and constructs aviation infrastructure, operating Dubai International Airport (world's busiest for international traffic) and developing Al Maktoum International Airport (world's largest under construction).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Infrastructure Engineering Services

NAICS

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413), Engineering Services (54133), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction Program Management (Multi-site/Portfolio) (IMAFAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Construction Management & Delivery (EPCM/CMAR/Design-Build Oversight) (EUANALAE), UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)

Keywords

• Aviation infrastructure development
• Airport engineering services
• Airport master planning
• Smart airport solutions
• Government construction projects

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Aviation Infrastructure Projects: DAEP operates as a government entity delivering major aviation infrastructure projects for Dubai's airports. Revenue is derived from government-funded construction and development projects for Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International Airport expansion and modernization programs.
2. Contractor and Consultant Tendering: DAEP manages the pre-qualification and tender process for contractors and consultants. Major projects include the AED 128 billion Al Maktoum International Airport new passenger terminal development.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) is a government entity that designs, master-plans, develops, and constructs aviation infrastructure for Dubai, operating Dubai International Airport (DXB) and developing Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA). It delivers ten core service disciplines — master-planning, architecture, smart airport solutions, engineering, project management, construction and operational readiness (ORAT), commercial management, stakeholder management, projects reliability assurance, and consultants management — and procures contractors and suppliers through formal pre-qualification and public tender processes.

Product overview

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) is a government entity responsible for the design, master-planning, infrastructure development and construction of Dubai's aviation sector. It operates two major airports: Dubai International (DXB), the world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic with three terminals and four concourses serving nearly 100 airlines across 240+ destinations, and Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), the world's largest airport under development as part of Dubai South aerotropolis, targeted for 260+ million passengers upon completion. DAEP's service portfolio is structured around ten core engineering and management disciplines — Master-planning, Architecture, Smart Airport Solutions, Engineering, Project Management, Construction and Operational Readiness, Commercial Management, Stakeholder Management, Projects Reliability Assurance, and Consultants Management. The organisation also develops named airport sub-products including Terminals 1/2/3, Concourses A/B/C/D, the Cargo Mega Terminal, Southern Runway, and Royal Airwing at DXB; and the Active Airport and Ultimate Airport phases at AMIA. Internal digital tools include PMWeb, EngHub, Daleel, CDE, FileVista, GRP, and the DAEP Online Information Security Platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master-planning Services DAEP develops entire airport ecosystems including ground links and road transport using a holistic approach to planning for continual growth in aviation.
• Architecture Services Futuristic and flexible architecture designed to grow with the aviation industry, serving future passengers and aviation processes.
• Smart Airport Solutions Digital technology and AI-powered systems for efficient airport operation and seamless traveller experience, including people movement solutions, smart tracking systems, biometric systems (iris and palm scans), and boarding RFID cards.
• Engineering Services State-of-the-art technology and innovative design solutions to bring the best travel experience, setting global standards for aviation engineering.
• Project Management Services Customised management processes for each aviation project to ensure timely delivery and transformative impact on aviation in Dubai.
• Construction and Operational Readiness Services DAEP manages construction progress and operational readiness programmes, targeting seamless delivery of projects meeting stakeholder expectations, including ORAT (Operational Readiness Activation and Transition) processes.
• Commercial Management Services Procurement processes and cost effectiveness management ensuring value for money in all designed facilities and systems, including post-contract processes.
• Stakeholder Management Services Seamless coordination with stakeholders to bridge today's capacity needs with tomorrow's possibilities in Dubai's aviation projects.
• Projects Reliability Assurance Services Identification and addressing of critical issues to provide assurance and sustainability to existing assets carrying the highest risk of potential impact to airport operations, including asset surveys, assessments, and defect rectification.
• Consultants Management Services Management of consultant firms to resolve logistical and technical challenges including air-traffic control, baggage handling, safety and security, and regulation compliance.
• Dubai International Airport (DXB) The primary international airport for Dubai and the UAE, connecting more than 240 destinations across 6 continents with nearly 100 airlines. Has three major terminals and four concourses, with a current capacity of 115 million passengers annually. The world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic.
• Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) The world's largest airport under development, part of the 140 sq.km Dubai South aerotropolis. Upon completion will have two control towers, four concourses, five runways, two terminals (West and East), and an ultimate capacity exceeding 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Scheduled to commence operations in 2032.
• T3 Self Check-In & Bag Drop Kiosks Self-service check-in and automated bag drop kiosks at Terminal 3, developed jointly with Emirates, winning the Transformational Leadership Award 2021.
• Biometric Boarding Gates Biometric-based automated boarding gates, jointly developed with Emirates, honoured with the GovTech Innovation Awards 2024.
• 3D Computed Tomography (CT) Security Scanners Deployment Next-generation 3D Computed Tomography (CT) security scanners deployed under a multi-year deal with Smiths Detection across DXB's three terminals, enabling frictionless travel where passengers can keep liquids and laptops inside bags.
• Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) Platform Real-time digital airspace management system including flight approvals, conflict detection, and emergency coordination across Dubai's Control Traffic Area, deployed in collaboration with Dubai Air Navigation Services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dubai International Airport ranked world's busiest for international passengers for 10 consecutive years (2014-2023)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• Smiths DetectioncoreTechnology or Integration · 25 February 2026Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) signed a multi-year deal with Smiths Detection to deploy next-generation 3D Computed Tomography (CT) security scanners across Dubai International Airport's three terminals. This technology enables frictionless travel by allowing passengers to keep liquids and laptops inside bags while maintaining high security standards. The partnership is part of the global airport security transformation with the market projected to reach US$38 billion by 2035.
• ANRA TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 3 September 2025ANRA Technologies was awarded a contract by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects in collaboration with Dubai Air Navigation Services to design and deploy Dubai's next-generation unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) platform. The system provides real-time digital airspace management including flight approvals, conflict detection, and emergency coordination across Dubai's Control Traffic Area. ANRA will establish a dedicated presence in Dubai to support phased deployment, with the project serving as a potential blueprint for UTM implementation across the Middle East.
• Emirates AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAEP works closely with Emirates Airlines on major infrastructure projects including Terminal 3 (world's largest terminal), Concourses B and C, and the Biometric Boarding Gates project that won the GovTech Innovation Awards 2024. Emirates is the anchor airline for Dubai International Airport operations.
• Dubai Air Navigation ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAEP collaborates with Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS) on airspace solutions and the UTM platform development. DANS participated in Dubai Airshow 2025 signing multiple international agreements and launching a drone air traffic management platform. DAEP works seamlessly with stakeholders including DANS to enable continued excellence in Dubai's aviation sector.
• Dubai Civil Aviation AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAEP is an autonomous corporate entity under the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the Government of Dubai. DCAA provides oversight and governance for all aviation developments in Dubai.
• Dubai Aviation City CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAEP is attached to Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), which was founded in 2006 alongside the launch of Al Maktoum International. DACC oversees all developments and operational aspects of Dubai's aviation sector. Executive Chairman Khalifa Al Zaffin leads DACC with DAEP entrusted with master-planning, design, development, and implementation of all aviation-related projects.
• CRRC and United TransstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuring Airport Show 2025, DAEP CEO Her Excellency Suzanne Al Anani led strategic talks with CRRC and United Trans regarding smart mobility solutions for Al Maktoum International Airport development.
• Hitachi and WoojinstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAEP CEO led strategic talks with Hitachi and Woojin to develop smart transport systems at Al Maktoum International Airport. These partnerships focus on innovative transportation infrastructure for the world's largest airport.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• AENA: Spanish state-controlled operator of Spain's 46+ airports network plus international concessions. Comparable to DAEP as a large sovereign-backed airport network operator with significant capital deployment programs and infrastructure development capabilities.
• Aéroports de Paris (ADP): French state-controlled operator of Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports with international engineering services arm (ADP Ingénierie). Comparable to DAEP's scale of European hub operations and infrastructure development expertise, though operates as a publicly listed entity.
• Flughafen München (Munich Airport): German operator of Munich Airport, recognized for terminal design excellence and operational efficiency. Comparable to DAEP in delivering award-winning airport infrastructure with strong focus on passenger experience and innovation.
• Fraport AG: German airport operator and developer running Frankfurt Airport (one of Europe's largest hubs) plus a global portfolio of airport concessions and consulting services. Comparable to DAEP in managing major European hub operations and pursuing international infrastructure development opportunities.

Regional players

• Dubai Airports: Operator (distinct from DAEP the developer) of Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports. Closely related to DAEP as the operational counterpart in the same Dubai aviation ecosystem, jointly managing the world's busiest hub and the world's largest planned airport.

Direct peers

• Singapore Changi Airport Group: Government-linked Singaporean airport developer and operator managing Changi (one of the world's premier international hubs) including Terminal 5 mega-development. Directly comparable to DAEP as a sovereign-backed aviation infrastructure master developer with smart airport technology focus and global hub ambitions.
• Incheon International Airport Corporation: Korean government-owned operator and developer of Incheon International Airport, including its ongoing Terminal 2 and Phase 4 expansions. Comparable to DAEP as a national aviation infrastructure entity in Asia competing for hub status, with similar sovereign backing and multi-phase expansion programs.

Others

• AECOM: Global engineering and infrastructure services firm with substantial airport design, program management, and construction services practice. Comparable to DAEP as a partner/peer providing the engineering services layer that supports major airport development programs.
• Bechtel: US-based global engineering, procurement, and construction firm with extensive aviation infrastructure project experience. Comparable to DAEP as a potential prime contractor on mega-airport builds and partner for delivering large-scale aviation infrastructure programs.

Emerging players

• GMR Airports: Indian airport developer and operator managing Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa airports with significant international consulting presence. Comparable to DAEP as an emerging-market airport infrastructure developer pursuing multi-airport portfolios in high-growth regions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/daephq

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects