Home NEWS Emirates and Dubai Airports: the driving forces of Dubai’s economy

Emirates and Dubai Airports: the driving forces of Dubai’s economy

The core pillar of the city

Nov 24, 2024

Emirates Group and Dubai Airports have released an economic impact study that reaffirms the central role aviation plays in Dubai’s economy, by quantifying its contributions and forecasting the sector’s upward trajectory, based on financial and passenger growth projections.

In 2023, Dubai’s aviation sector, consisting of Emirates Group, Dubai Airports (including Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum airports), and other aviation sector entities are estimated to have supported AED 137 billion (US$ 37.3 billion) in gross value added (GVA), equivalent to 27% of Dubai’s GDP. This included the core economic impact of AED 94 billion and AED 43 billion from the catalytic impact of aviation-facilitated tourism. These figures are projected to increase steadily, with aviation activities facilitated by Emirates and Dubai Airports contributing AED 196 billion, or 32% of Dubai’s forecasted GDP by 2030 (in 2023 prices).

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, of Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports said: “Under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s aviation sector has been a core pillar of our city’s economic growth strategy to date, and it will continue to play a key role in the D33 Economic Agenda. Supported by strong air connectivity, Dubai has a prominent presence on the global stage for trade, investments, and tourism, and is a leading player in aviation and logistics.

Our ambitious plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, and our ongoing investments to expand capacity at Dubai International, will unlock further economic opportunities by supporting the projected demand for air transport.”

Aviation-led activity also accounted for 631,000 jobs across Dubai, equivalent to one in five jobs in the emirate in 2023. A further 185,000 aviation-linked jobs are expected to be created by 2030, with the total number of jobs supported by Dubai’s aviation sector forecast to grow to 816,000 jobs.

Dubai’s vital investment to futureproof its aviation sector and ensure it remains an economic driver is evident in ongoing major investments to expand capacity and operations at Dubai International, in addition to a new generation facility at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International. The new AED 128 billion airport will be five times the size of Dubai International, with the first phase to be completed in 10 years. When fully completed, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International will consist of over 400 aircraft stands, with a capacity to serve 260 million passengers annually.