Dubai Airports has unveiled a striking new design for the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at Dubai International (DXB), transforming one of the airport’s most iconic landmarks into a prominent symbol of national pride by incorporating the colours of the UAE flag.
The redesigned tower places the national flag at the heart of the airport, creating a visual landmark that welcomes every passenger arriving in or departing from Dubai. The unveiling was commemorated with a ceremonial airside event featuring a Dubai Police parade, with the ATC tower serving as the backdrop. The ceremony was attended by senior executives from Dubai Airports, operational teams and members of the oneDXB community, celebrating the collaboration that underpins the airport’s daily operations.
Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, Majed Al Joker, described the ATC tower as one of DXB’s most important and symbolic structures, noting that it is the nerve centre where thousands of operational decisions are made every day to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and passengers.
He said the redesign reflects the UAE’s ambition and the vital role aviation plays in the country’s economic growth, while recognising the dedication of the teams and partners whose coordinated efforts keep the world’s busiest international airport operating seamlessly.
Since opening with a single runway in 1960, Dubai International has evolved into the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic. Standing 89 metres tall, the ATC tower has been at the centre of airport operations since its commissioning following DXB’s expansion in 2000.
The tower’s distinctive architecture, featuring a buttressed central column and sweeping arched wings that resemble a futuristic bird, remains one of the airport’s defining features. At its summit, Dubai Air Navigation Services manages air traffic operations, coordinating every aircraft movement and ensuring the safe, efficient flow of flights through one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
