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10/17/24, 9:45 AM UAE’s aviation industry shines with positive growth indicators - GulfToday
The UAE’s aviation sector on Saturday celebrated the “UAE Civil Aviation Day”, which falls on
5th October each year, marking the anniversary of the first plane landing in the UAE,
specifically in the Emirate of Sharjah, on the same day in 1932.

The runway for the plane landing was prepared in the Al Qasimia area of Sharjah in 1930,
making it the first airport established in the Arabian Gulf region at that time.

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 per cent, 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 per cent of the GDP at the founding of the country in 1971, while
today the sector contributes up to 13.3 per cent 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 per cent 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.

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
achievements, which would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of our
wise government. We remain committed to delivering excellence to ensure the UAE’s
continued role as a global hub for civil aviation.”

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu
Dhabi, and a member of the Board of Directors of the GCAA, stated: “This day is an
opportunity to celebrate what we have achieved in the civil aviation sector in Abu Dhabi and
the UAE as a whole. The country today boasts an infrastructure that ranks among the best in
the world, with Zayed International Airport serving as a world-class example of modern airport
design. Zayed International Airport is a model of sophisticated, sustainable infrastructure that

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