Midfield Terminal Complex at Abu Dhabi International Airport

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Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC) is being built as part of the airport’s expansion plans. The unique X-shaped building will be located between the two runways, hence the name Midfield.

The MTC will be an architecturally significant building designed as a gateway to the city of Abu Dhabi. It is being developed in support of the UAE government’s Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 scheme, aimed at promoting business and tourism in the region.

The terminal is being built by Abu Dhabi Airports Company and is expected to be opened in 2017. It has been designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and is estimated to cost $2.94bn. A notable development near the airport is a zero-carbon city in Masdar.

Design of the Midfield Terminal Complex at Abu Dhabi International Airport

The MTC has been designed to reduce walking distances while increasing aircraft parking capacity. After extensive studies, an X-shaped building was considered as the best solution to achieve this objective.

The terminal building will be 630,000m² (6.7 million ft²) to 702,369m² (7.5 million ft²) in size, and 52m tall its highest point.

Instead of columns, the MTC will use long span leaning arches, which render an open and airy feel. The roof of the terminal curves downward at various points to protect from the sun.

The building is designed in such a way that it is visible from 1,500m away. The design also includes space for future expansion. The terminal can be expanded to handle around 50 million passengers annually.

Midfield Terminal Complex finance

A consortium of banks is providing a loan of $1.08bn for the Midfield terminal project. The consortium includes Mashreq Bank, Al Hilal Bank, First Gulf Bank, Union National Bank and Arab Bank

Construction and materials used for the midfield terminal complex

The terminal’s construction is expected to take four years to complete. Site preparation and foundation works were finished in 2010 and 2011, while construction commenced in August 2012.

About 69,000t of steel, over 680,000m3 of concrete, 360,000m² of suspended ceilings and 325,000m² of natural stone flooring are expected to be required for the construction of the terminal. An additional 135,000t of rebar and 500,000m² of cladding will also be required.

Facilities at the new terminal of Abu Dhabi International Airport

The MTC will include associated support building occupying an area of 800,000m² and access to parking stands for cargo. Around 20,000m² to 25,000m² of space will be dedicated to retail and food outlets and another 8,400m² towards an indoor park.

A three-star transit hotel with 163 rooms is also part of the terminal. The parking facility is designed for 3,000 short-term parking spaces and 1,500 long-term parking lots.

Sustainability features of MTB

The MTB is designed to meet the UAE’s Two Pearl Rating sustainable design. Several design elements have been incorporated in its design. Glass facades reduce heat gain and provide daylight in the interiors, reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting.

Solid cladding has also been incorporated into the design to provide additional protection from the heat. Water conservation is another sustainable aspect of the project. Dry climate landscaping will be used to minimise use of potable water. Irrigation of outdoor plants will be done using waste water. Other sustainable features include use of high quality durable materials, low-energy lighting and low-emissions vehicles.

MTB contractors

A joint venture of TAV, CCC and Arabtec has been awarded a $2.94bn contract in June 2012 for the construction of the new terminal at Abu Dhabi international airport.

Hill International and AECOM have been appointed as the construction managers for the project under an $85m contract. ECG provided geotechnical and design services for the project. Parsons was responsible for preparing the environmental and sustainability requirements of the terminal.