emirates7 - The UAE's aviation sector celebrated "UAE Civil Aviation Day" today, commemorating the anniversary of the first airplane landing in the country, which took place in Sharjah on October 5, 1932. The landing strip, established in the Al Qasimia area in 1930, became the first airport in the Arabian Gulf.
Over the past 90 years, the UAE’s civil aviation sector has become a global leader, surpassing many developed nations in key competitiveness metrics. The country now operates six national airlines known for their luxury, quality, security, and safety. In the first eight months of this year, these carriers conducted 4,807 weekly flights to destinations around the world.
The UAE also boasts 10 airports, eight of which are ranked among the best and busiest globally. Between January and August 2024, more than 97.9 million passengers passed through these airports, reflecting a 12.6% growth compared to the 86.9 million in the same period last year.
Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GCAA, highlighted that UAE Civil Aviation Day is an opportunity to celebrate the leadership’s vision, which has positioned the UAE as a global aviation leader. He emphasized that this sector is a key pillar of the UAE’s economic growth, connecting the country to global markets and contributing 13.3% to the national GDP. Al Marri also mentioned that, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the UAE’s air transport market is expected to grow by 170% over the next two decades, adding 101 million passenger flights by 2037 and contributing $127.7 billion to the economy while creating 1.4 million jobs.
He reiterated the UAE's commitment to advancing its aviation industry by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global best practices, aligning with the “We the UAE 2031” vision to enhance the nation’s standing as a major air transport hub.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline, highlighted the crucial role of aviation in connecting the UAE to the world, with Dubai International Airport serving over 90 million international passengers annually. He emphasized the continued commitment to excellence and partnerships with global airlines to enhance air connectivity.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, praised the UAE's world-class aviation infrastructure, with Zayed International Airport exemplifying sustainable, modern design. He noted that Abu Dhabi’s civil aviation sector contributes significantly to the national economy and is positioned as a regional air transport hub.
Sheikh Khalid Bin Isam Al Qasmi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Civil Aviation, reflected on Sharjah’s historical significance as the site of the UAE’s first airplane landing and its continued role as a key air transport hub. He emphasized ongoing investments in infrastructure expansion to accommodate future growth.
Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, reaffirmed the emirate's commitment to developing advanced aviation infrastructure, enhancing air connectivity, and contributing to the nation’s future vision for the sector.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Salami, Chairman of Fujairah’s Department of Civil Aviation, noted the importance of Fujairah International Airport, the only airport on the UAE’s eastern coast, which serves as a reliable alternative during adverse weather conditions. He stressed continuous efforts to improve the airport’s efficiency to meet growing air traffic demands.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, highlighted the UAE's global leadership in civil aviation, citing the country's 189 air cooperation agreements with over 90% of the world's countries. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to enhancing aviation safety, security, and sustainability through collaboration with local and international stakeholders, in line with the country's future vision for the sector.
Over the past 90 years, the UAE’s civil aviation sector has become a global leader, surpassing many developed nations in key competitiveness metrics. The country now operates six national airlines known for their luxury, quality, security, and safety. In the first eight months of this year, these carriers conducted 4,807 weekly flights to destinations around the world.
The UAE also boasts 10 airports, eight of which are ranked among the best and busiest globally. Between January and August 2024, more than 97.9 million passengers passed through these airports, reflecting a 12.6% growth compared to the 86.9 million in the same period last year.
Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GCAA, highlighted that UAE Civil Aviation Day is an opportunity to celebrate the leadership’s vision, which has positioned the UAE as a global aviation leader. He emphasized that this sector is a key pillar of the UAE’s economic growth, connecting the country to global markets and contributing 13.3% to the national GDP. Al Marri also mentioned that, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the UAE’s air transport market is expected to grow by 170% over the next two decades, adding 101 million passenger flights by 2037 and contributing $127.7 billion to the economy while creating 1.4 million jobs.
He reiterated the UAE's commitment to advancing its aviation industry by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global best practices, aligning with the “We the UAE 2031” vision to enhance the nation’s standing as a major air transport hub.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline, highlighted the crucial role of aviation in connecting the UAE to the world, with Dubai International Airport serving over 90 million international passengers annually. He emphasized the continued commitment to excellence and partnerships with global airlines to enhance air connectivity.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, praised the UAE's world-class aviation infrastructure, with Zayed International Airport exemplifying sustainable, modern design. He noted that Abu Dhabi’s civil aviation sector contributes significantly to the national economy and is positioned as a regional air transport hub.
Sheikh Khalid Bin Isam Al Qasmi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Civil Aviation, reflected on Sharjah’s historical significance as the site of the UAE’s first airplane landing and its continued role as a key air transport hub. He emphasized ongoing investments in infrastructure expansion to accommodate future growth.
Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, reaffirmed the emirate's commitment to developing advanced aviation infrastructure, enhancing air connectivity, and contributing to the nation’s future vision for the sector.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Salami, Chairman of Fujairah’s Department of Civil Aviation, noted the importance of Fujairah International Airport, the only airport on the UAE’s eastern coast, which serves as a reliable alternative during adverse weather conditions. He stressed continuous efforts to improve the airport’s efficiency to meet growing air traffic demands.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, highlighted the UAE's global leadership in civil aviation, citing the country's 189 air cooperation agreements with over 90% of the world's countries. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to enhancing aviation safety, security, and sustainability through collaboration with local and international stakeholders, in line with the country's future vision for the sector.