Dubai’s aviation sector is set to power up the city’s economy and workforce with a surge in job creation, according to a new report.
Released by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports and conducted by Oxford Economics, the report highlights that Dubai’s aviation industry not only supported more than 630,000 jobs in 2023 but is also expected to add another 185,000 jobs by 2030, pushing total employment in the sector to over 800,000.
The study, titled The Economic Impact of Aviation in Dubai, breaks down the sector’s substantial contribution to Dubai’s economy, showing not only direct effects but also the wider ripple effect on industries like tourism and logistics.
“Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s aviation sector has been a core pillar of our city’s economic growth strategy to date, and it will continue to play a key role in the D33 Economic Agenda,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group and Dubai Airports.
What the report reveals about Dubai’s economy
In 2023, Dubai’s aviation sector, encompassing giants like Emirates and Dubai Airports, generated AED 137 billion (USD 37.3 billion) in gross value added (GVA), which equates to 27% of the city’s GDP. This GVA is projected to climb to AED 196 billion by 2030, raising aviation’s share of Dubai’s GDP to 32% and supporting over 800,000 jobs.
The findings further highlight the sector's role as a driver for tourism, with aviation-facilitated tourism contributing AED 43 billion in 2023, or 8.5% of Dubai’s GDP. As international tourism grows, so too will its economic contributions, anticipated to reach AED 63 billion by 2030.
Why aviation is critical to Dubai’s growth strategy
Dubai’s aviation sector is embedded in the city’s broader growth plans. The D33 Economic Agenda, launched to secure Dubai’s position as a global logistics and tourism hub, is partly rooted in aviation-led growth. Dubai International and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International airports are crucial, and continued investment will ensure the city remains a top global destination.
“Our ambitious plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International airport and our ongoing investments to expand capacity at Dubai International will unlock further economic opportunities,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “These projects will support the projected demand for air transport, generate skilled jobs, and drive innovation.”
How Dubai plans to accommodate growth
The expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to accommodate soaring passenger demand and strengthen infrastructure to futureproof the sector’s contributions. The first phase of the AED 128 billion expansion is scheduled for completion in the next decade, with the airport poised to become a centrepiece of Dubai’s connectivity ambitions.
The new airport will eventually house 400 aircraft stands and handle up to 260 million passengers annually. This expansion alone is expected to contribute an additional AED 6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2030 and create 132,000 jobs.
Which jobs will dominate Dubai’s future?
In a city where one in five jobs is already tied to aviation, the sector’s continued growth promises diverse employment opportunities. From skilled roles in engineering and operations to positions in hospitality, security, and logistics, aviation is expected to drive job creation across multiple sectors. This demand is not only linked to airlines and airports but also to a wider ecosystem that includes tourism, technology, retail, and supply chain management.
Why tourism is the key catalyst
Tourism is tightly interwoven with aviation in Dubai’s economic landscape. The report notes that international tourists visiting Dubai stayed an average of 3.8 nights in 2023, spending an estimated AED 66 billion on accommodations, dining, shopping, and attractions. With tourism expected to account for 10% of Dubai’s GDP by 2030, the city is well on its way to becoming one of the most visited destinations worldwide.
The catalytic impact of tourism on Dubai’s economy is undeniable. As Dubai welcomes more visitors, businesses across the city stand to benefit, from local shops to luxury resorts and restaurants. More than half of the tourism-related GVA in 2023 came from those flying with Emirates, a testament to the airline’s central role in the city’s tourism growth.
When will Dubai reach these goals?
With the economic forecast extending to 2030, Dubai’s aviation sector is anticipated to reach its full potential within six years, backed by the rapid development of infrastructure and global connectivity. By 2030, Dubai’s aviation-supported workforce is projected to grow by nearly 30%, ensuring that the city’s labour market remains dynamic and competitive.