Dubai Airports has made significant leadership changes with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency, technological resilience, and the cultivation of local talent at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). These new appointments are part of a broader strategy to prepare for future growth and reinforce ongoing investments in digital transformation, customer experience, and overall capacity at the airports.

Strengthening Leadership at DXB

Majed Al Joker, the Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, emphasized that the successful delivery of airport services relies heavily on the expertise of the workforce, the robustness of technological frameworks, and cohesive collaboration within the airport community. He stated, “Our ability to deliver safely, efficiently, and at scale depends on the strength of our people.”

The latest promotions are designed to bolster the leadership both in technology and operational sectors. Kan Ni has been elevated from Vice President of the Airport Operations Control Centre to Senior Vice President of Airport Operations, while Khalid Ishaq moves up from Head of AOCC Integration to Vice President of AOCC. Their advancement is essential for enhancing coordination at the Airport Operations Control Centre, which oversees the daily transit of roughly 200,000 travelers through DXB.

Ni has been instrumental in optimizing the AOCC as a central hub for data-driven operational decision-making. During periods of regional airspace constraints, he successfully guided teams through rapidly evolving scenarios while ensuring safe and efficient airport operations through strong collaboration with aviation partners.

Focus on Technology and Local Talent Development

Khalid Ishaq has been with Dubai Airports since 2005, accumulating a wealth of experience in the airport’s operational systems over two decades. His promotion is not only a recognition of his skills but also aligns with Dubai Airports’ national talent strategy, which has Emiratis making up 75% of the management team. This strategic focus is in line with national initiatives such as Nafis and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at prioritizing local employment.

Additionally, Ahmad Al Bastaki has joined as Vice President of Technology Operations and Cybersecurity within the Business Technology division. His role will involve overseeing cybersecurity measures, service management, and the management of infrastructure operations. As airports increasingly rely on integrated technology platforms, Al Bastaki’s leadership is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and resilience.

These three leadership appointments collectively underscore Dubai Airports’ commitment to operational excellence, enhancing guest experience, steering digital transformation, and planning for future capacity growth. The organization plays a pivotal role in managing both DXB and DWC, ensuring seamless integration across various stakeholders involved in aviation operations, security, customer service, and infrastructure development.

With DXB having processed a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025 and DWC projected to accommodate 150 million passengers annually in the coming decade, the infrastructure is geared for expansion. An ambitious plan is set in motion, with ultimate capacity targets reaching 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo, supported by five runways and a US$35 billion expansion initiative.