Dubai, renowned for its towering skyscrapers—including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa—is both a thriving business hub and a sought-after holiday destination in the Middle East.
To cement its position as a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo, Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) embarked on an ambitious project in 2002: the construction of Dubai Airport Terminal 3, along with Concourses 2 and 3. Spanning an enormous area of 750m by 500m and excavated to depths of up to 25m, this project was a feat of engineering. Upon its completion in 2008, Terminal 3 became the largest building in the world by floor space and the largest airport terminal globally—until Beijing Daxing International Airport opened in September 2019.
The iconic design of Terminal 3, inspired by an airplane wing, was initially dedicated exclusively to Emirates Airlines.
WJ Groundwater was proud to contribute to this remarkable project, bringing extensive expertise in large-scale dewatering systems. To facilitate dry excavation works, WJ installed a cutting-edge dewatering system tailored to the project’s unique challenges. One standout feature of WJ’s approach was the strategic placement of all deepwells around the site’s perimeter. This design ensured that the main contractor could proceed with excavation and construction without obstructions, maximizing efficiency.
At the height of construction, WJ managed over 200 deepwells, supported by a fully automated data-logging and monitoring system. This technology allowed real-time water level monitoring via a dedicated website, ensuring seamless coordination and control throughout the project.
WJ Groundwater is immensely proud of its role in delivering such an iconic engineering achievement, building on its previous work at Dubai International Airport.
WJ have completed many projects in the Middle East and globally. Click on the links below to learn more about what we do.
Are you ready to see what else our vision can bring to your projects? Speak to our team of groundwater experts today!
