Aviation substantially contributed towards Dubai’s economic revealed

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 entities¹ are estimated to have supported AED 137 billion (USD 37.3 billion) in gross value added² (GVA), equivalent to 27% of Dubai’s GDP a study said.

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

The study was compiled by global research firm Oxford Economics

The study also assesses the catalytic impact of tourism spending facilitated by the aviation sector in Dubai.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports said: “Under the leadership of 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, 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 transportation.

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.

A previous economic impact report released by Oxford Economics in 2014 found that the aviation sector contributed to 27% of Dubai’s GDP and supported 417,000 jobs.

The new AED 128 billion airport being built 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 capacity to serve 260 million passengers annually.

This construction project is expected to contribute an estimated AED 6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030, as well as support 132,000 jobs.

Aviation and tourism in Dubai

Aviation is also the driving force behind the growth of international tourism to Dubai. According to the report, international visitors flying to Dubai spent an estimated AED 66 billion last year.

In total, aviation-facilitated tourism spending is estimated to have contributed: AED 43 billion in gross value added, or 8.5% of Dubai’s GDP, supporting 329,000 jobs. More than half of GVA, AED 23 billion, was generated by those flying to Dubai with Emirates.

Tourism to Dubai is projected to grow significantly over the next six years, with aviation-facilitated tourism spending expected to support AED 63 billion in gross value added, equivalent to 10% of Dubai’s projected GDP, as well as one in eight Dubai jobs.

Other aviation entities include flydubai, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Dubai Immigration, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and Dubai Aviation City Corporation.