The UAE is set to become the GCC's biggest infrastructure spender, with US$1.5 trillion worth of projects currently being planned or under construction.

Mohammed Younis, Head of Infrastructure at the engineering and consulting firm Hyder Consulting, told Emirates Business 24/7: "There is actually no better time for governments to plan their infrastructure projects. With falling prices of materials and easy availability of contractors, there is an excellent opportunity to invest now."*

Saudi Arabia has $68.2 billion worth of projects in the pipeline while infrastructure developments in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman have a combined value $70 billion.

CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, told Khaleej Times that the company's long-term infrastructure plans will be going ahead as planned despite the economic crisis. The first phase of Dubai's new airport, Al Maktoum International is set to open next year. **

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport saw a 2.3% growth in passenger numbers in  the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2008.**

^{_{*Emirates Business 10th May}
**_{Khaleej Times 6th May}}