Aviation sector key pillar of national economy with huge global presence

The UAE aviation sector continues to consolidate its position as one of the strategic pillars of the national economy and a global benchmark in governance, innovation and sustainability.

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During 2025, the sector recorded a series of qualitative achievements that reinforced its role in enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and supporting vital sectors, including trade, tourism, logistics and supply chains, in addition to its direct and indirect contribution of up to 18 per cent of the gross domestic product.

In January 2025, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) launched the unified national platform for unmanned aerial vehicles as an interactive digital platform aimed at regulating and registering drone operations, clarifying usage requirements and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, while enhancing safety, operational efficiency and the investment environment.

In April, the GCAA has granted a Design Acceptance for the country’s first hybrid Heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, as part of the visionary Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project. The hybrid Heliport represents a transformative step toward integrated, sustainable air transport across the emirate.

In the field of environmental sustainability, the GCAA continued its leading role by submitting the third edition of the UAE's State Action Plan to Reduce Aviation Emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), following its approval by the Cabinet.

The plan was developed in collaboration with all key stakeholders across the aviation sector in the country, with the aim of supporting the UAE's global commitments to climate action while ensuring sustainable economic growth in the aviation industry.