Page 731 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2024

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 supports the
growth of the aviation sector, ensuring exceptional services for millions of travelers who come to
our city from across the globe and call it home.The developments witnessed in the civil aviation
sector in the UAE not only enhance the travel experience, but also contribute to driving the national
economy. We understand what businesses need to thrive, and we are committed to continuing to
empower Abu Dhabi as a hub for air transport in the region.” Sheikh Khalid Bin Isam Al Qasmi,
Chairman of Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation and a member of the Board of Directors of the
GCAA, stated: “We take pride in the pivotal role played by the Emirate of Sharjah in enhancing the
UAE’s civil aviation sector, as the emirate is historically significant for being the site of the first
aircraft landing in the country. Today, Sharjah International Airport stands as a key hub in the air
transport network of the UAE and the region as a whole. Efforts are ongoing to invest in expansion
projects for the infrastructure, supporting our future vision and enhancing the airport’s capacity to
accommodate growth in air traffic. On this national day, we reaffirm our shared vision to achieve

https://bazaartimes.com/turkish-video-game-developers-eye-large-japanese-market/