Dubai’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights, with plans to create 185,000 new jobs by 2030. In 2023, aviation-related activities supported 631,000 jobs—accounting for one in five jobs across the emirate—contributing AED137 billion ($37.3 billion) to Dubai’s GDP, which is 27% of the total economic output.
A new report, compiled by Oxford Economics in collaboration with Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, forecasts the number of aviation-supported jobs to grow to 816,000 by 2030. It highlights the sector’s pivotal role in Dubai’s economy, driven by financial growth and increasing passenger demand.
Aviation’s Economic Impact
Dubai’s aviation sector plays a crucial role in trade, tourism, and logistics. In 2023, international visitors arriving by air spent AED66 billion, showcasing the aviation-tourism synergy. By 2030, Emirates and Dubai Airports are expected to contribute AED196 billion, or 32% of Dubai’s GDP, maintaining the sector’s upward trajectory.
Speaking on the sector’s future, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airline and Dubai Airports, emphasized,
“Our growth plans will generate more skilled jobs and foster innovation, as we collaborate with technology partners to enhance travel experiences and optimize operations.”
Investments in Infrastructure
Dubai continues to expand its aviation infrastructure to meet growing demand. Key projects include:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): Ongoing capacity upgrades.
- Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC): With AED128 billion in planned investments, DWC will eventually offer over 400 aircraft stands and serve 260 million passengers annually. The first phase will be completed within the next decade.
This expansion alone is expected to add AED6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2030 and create 132,000 jobs during the construction phase.
Indirect and Supply Chain Impact
The aviation sector’s influence extends beyond direct operations, contributing AED36 billion in local supplier spending in 2023. This stimulated activity across manufacturing and professional services, indirectly supporting 139,000 jobs.
By 2030, this indirect GDP contribution is forecast to rise to AED26 billion, supporting 183,000 jobs—equivalent to one in every 20 jobs in Dubai.
Emirates Airline: A Key Contributor
Operating the world’s largest international airline, Emirates Airline carried 52 million passengers and transported 1.9 million tonnes of cargo in 2023. Emirates directly contributed AED56 billion to GDP and employed 81,000 people. Through its supply chains, Emirates supported an additional 106,000 jobs and AED14 billion in GDP.
The Future of Aviation-Facilitated Tourism
Tourism remains a vital component of Dubai’s economy, with aviation playing a central role. In 2023, aviation-facilitated tourism added AED43 billion to the GDP and supported 329,000 jobs. By 2030, tourism driven by aviation is projected to contribute AED63 billion to GDP and create one in eight jobs across the emirate.
Dubai’s strategic investments in aviation ensure it will remain a global leader in trade, tourism, and logistics, driving economic growth and job creation for years to come.
