Aviation is consolidating itself as the fundamental pillar of Dubai’s economic development. A recent economic impact study, presented by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, reaffirms the centrality of the aviation sector in the emirate’s prosperity.
The report, prepared by the prestigious global research firm Oxford Economics, quantifies aviation’s contributions to the local economy and forecasts an upward trajectory for the sector in the coming years.
AVIATION AS A STRATEGIC AXIS IN DUBAI
The aviation sector in Dubai not only connects the emirate with the rest of the world, but also drives the growth of other key industries. Aviation has been identified as an essential component in the city’s economic strategy, significantly contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) and generating employment.
According to the study, in 2023 aviation generated a gross added value of 137 billion dirhams ($37.3 billion), equivalent to 27% of Dubai’s GDP. These results include both the direct economic impact and the catalytic impact derived from tourism facilitated by aviation.
By 2030, aviation-related activities could contribute 196 billion dirhams to Dubai’s GDP, representing 32% of the projected total and further consolidating the sector’s crucial role in the emirate’s economy.
EMPLOYMENT AND DEVELOPMENT: AVIATION AS A JOB CREATOR
The study highlights that aviation-related activities supported 631,000 jobs across Dubai in 2023, equivalent to one in five jobs in the emirate. This figure underscores the importance of the sector not only in economic terms but also socially. By 2030, an additional 185,000 aviation-related jobs are expected to be created, bringing the total to 816,000 jobs. This reflects the sector’s sustained growth and its capacity to provide quality employment opportunities.
This increase in aviation-related employment will also help drive innovation and technological development, enabling the creation of solutions that enhance the travel experience and make operations more efficient and secure.
INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE: SECURING THE FUTURE OF AVIATION IN DUBAI
Dubai’s vital investment in its aviation sector is evident in expansion projects and improvements to its airport infrastructure. Significant investments are being made to increase capacity and operations at Dubai International Airport, as well as to develop a next-generation facility at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport.
The new airport, valued at 128 billion dirhams, will be five times larger than the current one. The first phase will be completed in 10 years, and once finalized, it will feature over 400 aircraft parking stands and a capacity to serve 260 million passengers per year.
Although the expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport was not included in the study’s main impact results, the construction project is expected to contribute around 6.1 billion dirhams to Dubai’s GDP in 2030 and generate 132,000 jobs.
AERONAUTICAL TOURISM: DRIVING TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Aviation is also a key driver of international tourism growth in Dubai. As one of the world’s most visited destinations, the city greatly benefits from the spending of visitors arriving by air, contributing to the development of sectors such as hospitality, dining, and retail.
In 2023, international visitors who flew to Dubai were estimated to have spent 66 billion dirhams. This aviation-facilitated tourism spending contributed 43 billion dirhams in gross added value, representing 8.5% of Dubai’s GDP and supporting 329,000 jobs.
By 2030, aviation-facilitated tourism spending could generate 63 billion dirhams in gross added value, equivalent to 10% of Dubai’s projected GDP, and support one in eight jobs in the city.
