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Karachi: A recent economic impact study conducted by Oxford Economics for Emirates Group and Dubai Airports has underscored the increasing importance of the aviation sector to Dubai’s economy. The study reveals that aviation, including Emirates Group, Dubai Airports, and other aviation-related entities, contributed significantly to the emirate’s GDP in 2023 and is poised to play an even greater role by 2030.
According to Emirates, the aviation sector added AED 137 billion (approximately USD 37.3 billion) to Dubai’s GDP in 2023, which represents 27% of the total GDP. This impact is divided between AED 94 billion from core aviation operations and AED 43 billion from aviation-facilitated tourism. By 2030, the sector’s contribution is expected to increase to AED 196 billion, or 32% of Dubai’s GDP, supported by a comprehensive expansion plan and growing global connectivity.
The sector also significantly supports employment, with 631,000 jobs in 2023, which equates to one in five jobs in Dubai. With the sector’s growth, an additional 185,000 jobs are expected by 2030, increasing the total to 816,000 jobs.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai Airports, highlighted that aviation is central to Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda aimed at enhancing the city’s global role in trade, tourism, and logistics. He emphasized the strategic role of the ongoing expansion at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, which involves a AED 128 billion investment. Once complete, the airport will significantly boost Dubai’s capacity to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.
The expansion of Dubai World Central, not included in the 2023 figures, is expected to add AED 6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP and create 132,000 jobs by 2030. Tourism driven by the aviation sector also plays a crucial role, with international visitors in 2023 contributing an estimated AED 66 billion to the economy, supporting 329,000 jobs.
Oxford Economics’ report also noted that while the percentage of GDP contributed by the sector remains consistent with 2014 levels, the actual number of jobs supported has significantly increased, reflecting the sector’s rapid growth and its broader diversification.
Investments in aviation infrastructure, including the expansions at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airports, are strategic to Dubai’s future growth, aligning with its vision to become a top global logistics and tourism hub, connecting to 400 new destinations and ranking among the top five logistics centers worldwide.
The study effectively positions Dubai’s aviation sector as a cornerstone of the emirate’s economic success and a pivotal element in maintaining its competitive edge globally.
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