Emirates Group and Dubai Airports have released an economic impact study reaffirming aviation’s pivotal role in Dubai’s economy. The study, compiled by global research firm Oxford Economics, provides insights into the sector’s current and projected contributions, assessing direct, indirect, and induced economic activity as well as the catalytic impact of aviation-driven tourism.
In 2023, the aviation sector, including Emirates Group, Dubai Airports (covering Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum airports), and other aviation entities, contributed AED 137 billion (USD 37.3 billion) to Dubai’s GDP, accounting for 27% of the total. This figure includes the core impact of AED 94 billion from aviation operations and AED 43 billion from aviation-facilitated tourism. By 2030, this contribution is expected to rise to AED 196 billion, representing 32% of Dubai’s GDP.
The sector also played a significant role in employment, supporting 631,000 jobs in 2023, equivalent to one in five jobs in Dubai. With projected growth, an additional 185,000 jobs will be created by 2030, bringing the total to 816,000 jobs.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group and Chairman of Dubai Airports, emphasized that aviation remains a key pillar of Dubai’s economic growth strategy under the D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to further expand the city’s global role in trade, tourism, and logistics. With strong air connectivity, Dubai is already a prominent hub for international business and leisure travel.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, when fully completed, will significantly enhance the city’s global standing. The airport, currently undergoing a AED 128 billion investment to expand its capacity, will ultimately be five times the size of Dubai International and able to serve 260 million passengers annually.
While the Dubai World Central (DWC) expansion is not included in the 2023 impact results, it is expected to contribute an additional AED 6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP and 132,000 jobs by 2030.
Aviation is also a critical driver of tourism, with international visitors in 2023 contributing an estimated AED 66 billion to Dubai’s economy, staying an average of 3.8 nights and spending AED 4,300 on hotels, dining, attractions, and shopping.
Aviation-facilitated tourism accounted for AED 43 billion in gross value added (GVA) to Dubai’s GDP and supported 329,000 jobs. By 2030, this figure is projected to grow to AED 63 billion, contributing 10% of Dubai’s GDP and supporting one in eight jobs in the emirate.
A previous report by Oxford Economics from 2014 also found that the aviation sector contributed 27% of Dubai’s GDP, but the number of jobs supported has risen significantly, reflecting faster growth and diversification across other sectors of the economy.
Dubai’s continued investments in aviation infrastructure, particularly the expansion of Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International, will play a vital role in the emirate’s future growth. These developments, aligned with the D33 Economic Agenda, will strengthen Dubai’s position as a global logistics and tourism hub, connecting it to 400 new destinations and making it one of the top five logistics centers globally.
The study illustrates the crucial link between aviation and Dubai’s broader economic success, emphasizing the role the sector plays in maintaining Dubai’s competitiveness on the world stage and its future economic prosperity.
