The aviation sector in Dubai is expected to contribute Dh196 billion by 2030, representing 32% of the emirate's GDP, according to a recent study by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports. In 2023, the aviation sector in Dubai, which includes Emirates Group, Dubai Airports (comprising Dubai International and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum airports), and other related entities, is estimated to have supported Dh137 billion in gross value added (GVA), equivalent to 27% of Dubai's GDP. This figure includes a core economic impact of Dh94 billion and an additional Dh43 billion from the catalytic impact of aviation-facilitated tourism. These contributions are projected to rise steadily, with aviation activities facilitated by Emirates and Dubai Airports expected to contribute Dh196 billion, or 32% of Dubai's forecasted GDP by 2030.
The study analyzed three aspects: direct, indirect, and induced impacts. The core impact of Dubai's aviation sector included a direct gross value-added contribution of Dh70 billion and an additional Dh24 billion stimulated through the sector's supply chain spending and wage-funded consumption by employees. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and chairman of Dubai Airports, emphasized the sector's pivotal role in Dubai's economic growth strategy and its importance to the D33 Economic Agenda. He highlighted the ambitious plans for Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport and ongoing investments to expand capacity at Dubai International, which will support the projected demand for air transport and unlock further economic opportunities.
Aviation also drives the growth of international tourism to Dubai. As one of the world's most visited destinations, visitors spent an average of Dh4,300 during their 3.8-night stays in 2023. International visitors flying to Dubai contributed an estimated Dh66 billion last year. The catalytic impact of tourism facilitated by aviation added Dh43 billion to the local economy in 2023, with GDP contributions expected to grow by over 40% by 2030. Overall, aviation-facilitated tourism spending is estimated to have contributed Dh43 billion in gross value added, or 8.5% of Dubai's GDP, supporting 329,000 jobs. More than half of this, Dh23 billion, was generated by those flying to Dubai with Emirates. Tourism to Dubai is projected to grow significantly, with aviation-facilitated tourism spending expected to support Dh63 billion in gross value added, equivalent to 10% of Dubai's projected GDP, and one in eight Dubai jobs.
Earlier this year, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that the travel and tourism sector's contribution to the UAE economy will continue to grow, with 23,500 new jobs expected to be created in 2024, bringing the total employment to 833,000. By 2034, the sector will employ 928,000 people, with one in 9 residents working in the sector, resulting in around 95,000 new jobs between 2024 and 2034.
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