Aviation Sector Fuels Dubai’s Economy with AED137 Billion Contribution in 2023

Dubai: An economic impact study released by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports highlights the pivotal role of the aviation sector in Dubai's economy, revealing a contribution of AED137 billion to the emirate's GDP in 2023. The study, compiled by Oxford Economics, underscores the sector's ongoing expansion and its significant impact on employment and tourism. According to Emirates News Agency, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the aviation sector's direct and indirect economic activities, as well as the induced activities supported by wage-funded consumption by aviation employees. It also evaluates the tourism spending catalyzed by the aviation industry in Dubai. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, emphasized the sector's integral role in Dubai's economic strategy and its contribution to the D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to enhance Dubai's global trade, tourism, and logistics presence. In 2023, aviation activities in Dubai, includi ng those by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, accounted for AED137 billion in gross value added, representing 27% of the city's GDP. This includes AED94 billion from core economic activities and AED43 billion from aviation-driven tourism. Projections indicate that by 2030, aviation's contribution could rise to AED196 billion, or 32% of Dubai's GDP. Employment generated by the sector is substantial, with aviation-related jobs making up one in five jobs in Dubai in 2023. This figure is expected to increase to 816,000 jobs by 2030. The study also highlights Dubai's substantial investment in its aviation infrastructure, including the expansion of Dubai International and the development of the new AED128 billion Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International airport. This new facility, set to be five times larger than Dubai International once completed, is expected to significantly contribute to Dubai's GDP and job market by 2030. Aviation's role in promoting international tourism is also notable, with visitors flying to Dubai spending an estimated AED66 billion in 2023. Aviation-facilitated tourism contributed AED43 billion to Dubai's GDP and supported 329,000 jobs. As tourism continues to grow, aviation-driven spending is expected to reach AED63 billion, supporting one in eight jobs in Dubai by 2030.