As Dubai continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the synergy between tourism and aviation is expected to thrive, driving sustainable growth and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Dubai’s aviation and tourism sector is expected to contribute $53 billion, 32%, to the emirate’s annual gross domestic product (GDP), according to a study by Emirates Group, Dubai Airports, and research firm Oxford Economics.

The aviation industry’s contribution to Dubai’s economy hit a record $37.2 billion in gross value added (GVA), equivalent to 27% of the GDP.

Furthermore, aviation tourism is projected to contribute $17.1 billion in 2030, 10% of Dubai’s GDP.

“Supported by strong air connectivity, Dubai has a prominent presence on the global stage for trade, investments, and tourism and is a leading player in aviation and logistics,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group, and chairman of Dubai Airports.

“Our ambitious plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport and our ongoing investments to expand capacity at Dubai International Airport will unlock further economic opportunities by supporting the projected demand for air transport,” he added.

Dubai had approved a $35 billion plan to build a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will result in the airport becoming five times larger than the emirate’s main international airport and the biggest in the world.

Upon completion, the airport will consist of over 400 aircraft stands and have the capacity to serve 260 million passengers annually.

The construction of the airport is projected to contribute AED 6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030 and support 132,000 jobs.

The study also revealed that aviation activity accounted for 631,000 jobs across Dubai, equivalent to one in five jobs in the emirate in 2023.  The report added that an additional 185,000 jobs in aviation across the emirate will be created by 2030, bringing the total number of jobs in the sector to 816,000.