DUBAI: Emirates Group and Dubai Airports have released a new economic impact study, conducted by Oxford Economics, highlighting aviation’s crucial role in Dubai’s economy. The study quantifies the sector’s contributions and projects future growth based on financial and passenger data.
The study assessed three types of economic activity: direct, indirect through the supply chain, and induced, driven by wage-funded consumption. It also explored the catalytic impact of tourism spending facilitated by the aviation sector.
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H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports, highlighted Dubai’s leadership in aviation, underlining its central role in the city’s economic growth strategy and its contribution to the D33 Economic Agenda. Sheikh Ahmed emphasised that Dubai’s strong air connectivity boosts its global presence in trade, investments, and tourism. He also highlighted the expansion plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport and investments at Dubai International, which will further fuel economic opportunities.
In 2023, Dubai’s aviation sector, including Emirates Group, Dubai Airports, and other related entities, contributed AED137 billion (US$37.3 billion) to the economy, equating to 27% of Dubai’s GDP. This included AED94 billion in core impact and AED43 billion from aviation-facilitated tourism. By 2030, aviation is projected to contribute AED196 billion, or 32% of Dubai’s GDP.
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The sector supported 631,000 jobs in 2023, with projections of 816,000 jobs by 2030. Dubai’s ongoing investment in its aviation infrastructure, including the AED128 billion expansion of Dubai World Central, will further enhance its position as a global aviation and logistics hub.
Aviation also drives international tourism, with visitors spending AED66 billion in 2023, contributing AED43 billion to Dubai’s GDP and supporting 329,000 jobs. Tourism growth is expected to boost this figure to AED63 billion by 2030.
