UAE aviation emerges as economic cornerstone with expanding global influence

The UAE’s aviation sector has solidified its role as a strategic driver of the national economy while gaining international recognition for governance, innovation and sustainability, according to WAM.

In 2025, the sector delivered a series of milestones that strengthened its contribution to trade, tourism, logistics, and supply chains, accounting for up to 18 percent of the country’s GDP through direct and indirect channels.

In January, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) launched a unified national platform for unmanned aerial vehicles, a digital system designed to register drone operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance operational efficiency and investment in the sector.

In April, the GCAA approved the design of the UAE’s first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi’s Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port, a key component of the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project. The facility represents a major step toward sustainable, integrated air transport in the emirate.

On the environmental front, the GCAA submitted the third edition of the UAE’s State Action Plan to Reduce Aviation Emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following Cabinet approval. Developed with industry stakeholders, the plan aligns with global climate commitments and promotes sustainable growth, introducing 42 operational and technological projects alongside 13 initiatives for sustainable and low-carbon aviation fuels.

The UAE’s international aviation profile strengthened further as it secured a seat on the ICAO Council for the seventh consecutive term. Senior GCAA officials achieved prominent roles within ICAO, including Hamad Salem Al Muhairi’s re-election as Chair of the Aviation Security Panel and Engineer Maryam AlBalooshi’s appointment as Chair of the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection—the first Middle Eastern representative in this position—entrusting the UAE with shaping global aviation policy and sustainability practices.

The country also enhanced its reputation as a global hub for dialogue and innovation by hosting major events, including the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium and launching the “Global Sustainable Aviation Market” (GSAM) initiative in Abu Dhabi. The GSAM, now officially institutionalized under ICAO’s calendar, brings together airlines, manufacturers, regulators, and investors to advance sustainable aviation fuels, low-carbon technologies, and climate finance solutions worldwide.

UAE airports maintained record performance in passenger traffic during the first nine months of 2025, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports collectively handling approximately 108.6 million passengers, underlining the sector’s continued growth and global reach.