Is the Middle East the new hub of global aviation? | CNN

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Doha opens giant $15 billion airport

05:43 - Source: CNN

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Story highlights

Qatar's sparkling new airport is one of a series of ambitious aviation projects in the Gulf

Countries in region looking to diversify economies to take advantage of location between east and west

Middle East carriers growing faster than airlines in other regions, says IATA

Doha, Qatar CNN —

After a decade of construction and almost four years behind schedule, the Middle East’s latest airport destination began full operations earlier this week.

Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, will eventually occupy 29 square kilometers (roughly a third of the size of Doha city itself) and comes in at a total cost of $15 billion.

The giant facility will have an annual capacity of 50 million passengers as well as public spaces for art exhibitions, a VIP terminal inspired by Arabian sailboats and an aquatic themed mosque.

Like an increasing number of oil and gas rich cities in the region, Doha is attempting to diversify its economy to make the most of new trade and tourism opportunities.

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Qatar Airways' big move

05:32 - Source: CNN

For the head of Qatar’s ambitious national carrier, the much-awaited development couldn’t have come soon enough.

“It gives us unlimited opportunities,” Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar al Baker told CNN.

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Russian oil giant looks east

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“Doha International Airport was very congested. It was overcrowded. We could not give the standard of service we would prefer our passengers to have on the ground.”