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10/17/24, 9:44 AM Aviation sector shines with positive growth indicators on 'UAE Civil Aviation Day' | Emirates News Agency

Over 90 years later, the UAE's civil aviation sector leads numerous global competitiveness indicators,
surpassing many developed nations. The country boasts six national carriers renowned for luxury, quality,

security, and safety. During the first eight months of this year, our national carriers operated 4,807 weekly

flights to numerous destinations around the world.

In addition, the UAE has 10 airports, including 8 international airports ranked among the best and busiest in
the world. These airports welcomed more than 97.9 million passengers in the first eight months of this year,

reflecting a growth rate of 12.6 percent, compared to 86.9 million passengers during the same period last

year.
Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GCAA, said:

"UAE Civil Aviation Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the vision of our wise leadership, which has

positioned the UAE at the forefront of the world in the aviation sector. This sector today serves as a
fundamental pillar of national economic growth and enhances its competitiveness regionally and

internationally. Additionally, this vital sector has played a key role in establishing the UAE as a bridge for

connecting with global markets.

The UAE is globally recognised for the rapid growth of its aviation infrastructure, which accounted for less
than 1 percent of the GDP at the founding of the country in 1971, while today the sector contributes up to 13.3

percent of the GDP. According to estimates from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the air

transport market in the UAE is expected to grow by 170 percent over the next twenty years, resulting in an
addition of 101 million passenger flights by 2037. This growth will also support the national economy by

contributing approximately $127.7 billion and will create 1.4 million jobs.

Bin Touq continued: “Our national efforts are ongoing in developing the aviation industry in the country, relying

on innovation, sustainability, and the best global practices in this regard. We aim to provide high-quality
services in the transportation, travel, and logistics sectors, contributing to enhancing the country's global

standing as a major hub for air transport, in line with the targets of the “We the UAE 2031” vision.”

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 Board

of Directors of the GCAA: “The aviation sector in the UAE is a vital artery connecting us to the world, with
Dubai International Airport standing as a global model for growth and quality. The airport serves over 90

million international passengers annually, and through our partnerships with global airlines, we strive to
enhance air connectivity between the UAE and countries around the world. Today, we celebrate our

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