The latest economic impact report from Emirates Group and Dubai Airports underscores aviation as a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, contributing 27% of the emirate’s GDP in 2023—an impact of AED 137 billion (USD 37.3 billion). By 2030, aviation’s share is projected to rise to 32%, as forecasted by Oxford Economics.
Aviation’s influence extends beyond flights to include supply chain effects, wage-based spending, and tourism.
In 2023, the sector supported over 630,000 jobs and is expected to add 185,000 more by 2030. Tourism linked to aviation alone contributed AED 43 billion (USD 11.8 billion) to Dubai’s economy, projected to grow over 40% by the decade’s end.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, highlighted aviation’s alignment with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, aimed at bolstering trade, tourism, and investment globally.
Significant investments in Dubai International Airport and the new Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are expected to increase air travel capacity fivefold, ultimately serving up to 260 million passengers and supporting 132,000 jobs, adding AED 6.1 billion to GDP by 2030.
International tourism also fuels Dubai’s hospitality and retail sectors, with visitor spending driven largely by Emirates flights amounting to AED 66 billion in 2023.
This figure is projected to reach AED 63 billion by 2030, supporting nearly one in eight jobs across the emirate.
The D33 agenda aims to place Dubai among the top five global logistics hubs by expanding its trade reach to 400 destinations, with aviation investments essential to these goals.
The Oxford Economics report, The Economic Impact of Aviation in Dubai, offers a comprehensive view of aviation’s vital role in Dubai’s economic future.
