Aviation sector contributes 18.2% to UAE’s GDP: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a study quantifying the substantial value that aviation (including aviation-related tourism) generated for the UAE in terms of jobs and economic activity in 2023.

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According to the study, the economic impact in the UAE includes $92 billion, contributing 18.2% to GDP (total impact including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities), 992,000 jobs (total impact including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities), 74,500 employed directly by airlines, with a further 132,300 employed elsewhere in aviation and 297,300 employed in aviation-related tourism and I million tonnes of air cargo handled in 2023.

"The UAE is a critical hub for global connectivity. And the benefits of its super connector role brings trade, tourism, investment, and jobs to the UAE. The leadership of the UAE has a strategic vision for aviation, supported by smart regulation and investment in world-class infrastructure. Supporting nearly a million jobs and 18.2% of GDP, aviation makes an enormous contribution to the UAE's prosperity-both culturally and economically. And we can be confident that this contribution will strengthen as the UAE continues to facilitate opportunities for aviation to thrive," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director-General.

Building on its position as a global aviation leader, the UAE is well-placed to progress in three priority areas: Sustainability: