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UAE wins seventh consecutive term on ICAO

Council

The United Arab Emirates has achieved another milestone on the international stage by winning a
seat on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the seventh
consecutive term. The elections took place during the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly, held in
Montreal, Canada, from 23 September to 3 October 2025.

The UAE’s efforts in the international civil aviation sector once again reaffirmed its leading role,
distinguished position, and the trust it enjoys at the global level, as the country secured the
majority of votes in the elections, which were attended by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of
Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the GCAA Board (Head of the UAE Delegation), and Saif
Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA (Deputy Head of the Delegation), alongside
ministers and senior officials from ICAO’s 193 member states.

ICAO Council elections are held every three years, where 36 states are elected from among the 193
members, distributed across three groups: Part I for states of chief importance in air transport, Part
II for states contributing most to the provision of international air navigation facilities, and Part III for
states ensuring geographic representation.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the GCAA Board, said:
“This renewed success is a global recognition of the UAE’s journey in civil aviation and a testament
to the success of our strategy in building strong regional and international partnerships. It is the
result of the wise directives of our leadership, which has always placed special importance on this
sector, enabling it to keep pace with the remarkable global developments in aviation. The UAE has
proven its ability to be an active partner in shaping global civil aviation policies, while contributing
effectively to sustainability, environmental protection, aviation safety and security. This victory
affirms our continued commitment to play a vital role in the sector’s economic landscape, where
aviation contributes around 18% to our national GDP and is expected to grow further in the coming
years. We are proud of the trust of ICAO member states and remain committed to advancing the
future of global aviation in line with ICAO’s strategic goals.”

On this occasion, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation
Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates
Airline and Group, and a member of the GCAA Board of Directors, stated: “This seventh consecutive
election further cements the UAE’s global leadership in civil aviation and reflects renewed
international confidence in our strategic approach and professional management of the sector. It is
a testament to the wise vision of our leadership and our continued investments in advanced
infrastructure, state-of-the-art airports, aircraft, and the development of highly skilled national
talent. The UAE’s re-election to the ICAO Council demonstrates the trust we have earned
internationally and regionally, from our balanced diplomatic initiatives and adherence to global
standards, and it reinforces the UAE’s position as an influential voice in shaping international civil
aviation policies.”

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