Aviation to Contribute $53.36 Billion to Dubai’s GDP

Dubai’s aviation sector, comprising Emirates Group, Dubai Airports (including Dubai World Central – Al Makthoum airports, and Dubai International), and other aviation sectors are expected to contribute $53.36 billion, or 32% of Dubai’s forecasted GDP by 2030.

These sectors have supported over $37 billion in gross value added (GVA), equivalent to 27% of Dubai’s GDP in 2023. This included the core economic impact of $25.59 billion, and $11.71 billion from the catalytic impact of aviation-facilitated tourism.

Aviation-led activity also accounted for 631,000 jobs across Dubai, equivalent to one in five jobs in the Emirate in 2023. A further 185,000 aviation-linked jobs are expected to be created by 2030, with the total number of jobs supported by Dubai’s aviation sector forecast to grow to 816,000 jobs.

These were the findings of the Economic Impact Study, which was compiled by global research firm Oxford Economics and released by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports on Thursday. The study reaffirms the central role aviation plays in Dubai’s economy, by quantifying its contributions and forecasting the sector’s upwards trajectory, based on financial and passenger growth projections for the sector.

The study also includes an assessment of direct economic activity generated by the aviation sector, indirect activity generated through the sector’s supply chain, and induced activity supported through wage-funded consumption by the local aviation workforce. The study also assesses the catalytic impact of tourism spending facilitated by the aviation sector in Dubai.

H H Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports said that under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s aviation sector has been a core pillar of Dubai’s economic growth strategy to date, and it will continue to play a key role in the D33 Economic Agenda.

He said that supported by strong air connectivity, Dubai has a prominent presence on the global stage for trade, investments, tourism, and is a leading player in aviation and logistics.

“Our ambitious plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International airport, and our ongoing investments to expand capacity at Dubai International, will unlock further economic opportunities by supporting the projected demand for air transport,” he said.

He continued: “Our growth plans will generate even more skilled jobs, and also help drive innovation as we work with leading technology partners to develop future solutions to enhance travel experiences and make operations more efficient and secure.”

Previous Study

A previous economic impact report released by Oxford Economics in 2014 found that the aviation sector contributed 27% of Dubai’s GDP and supported 417,000 jobs. While the latest results indicate the share of Dubai’s GDP has remained stable, the sector’s gross value added has increased in real terms, with the current figures reflecting faster growth across other sectors, as well as diversification in the wider economy over the past decade.

Dubai’s vital investment to futureproof its aviation sector and ensure it remains an economic driver, is evident in ongoing major investments to expand capacity and operations at Dubai International, in addition to a new generation facility at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International.

The new $34.85 billion airport will be five times the size of Dubai International, with the first phase to be completed in 10 years. When fully completed, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International will consist of over 400 aircraft stands, with capacity to serve 260 million passengers annually.

The expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International project is expected to contribute an estimated $1.66 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030, as well as support 132,000 jobs.