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Study: Aviation sector supports a quarter of Dubai’s GDP
Emirates Group and Dubai Airports have highlighted the key role aviation plays in Dubai’s economy.
A study from Oxford Economics, includes an assessment of direct economic activity generated by the aviation sector.
It also assesses the impact of tourism spending facilitated by the aviation sector in Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “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.”
“Supported by strong air connectivity, Dubai has a prominent presence on the global stage for trade, investments, tourism, and is a leading player in aviation and logistics.”
In 2023, Dubai’s aviation sector is estimated to have supported AED 137 billion (USD 37.3 billion) in gross value added (GVA), equivalent to 27% of Dubai’s GDP.
This included the core economic impact of AED 94 billion, and AED 43 billion from the impact of aviation-facilitated tourism.
These figures are projected to increase steadily.
Aviation-led activity also accounted for 631,000 jobs across Dubai, equivalent to one in five jobs in the emirate in 2023.
A previous economic impact report released by Oxford Economics in 2014 found that the aviation sector contributed to 27% of Dubai’s GDP and supported 417,000 jobs.
Aviation is also the driving force behind the growth of international tourism to Dubai.
Visitors stayed an average of 3.8 nights in 2023, spending an average of AED 4,300 on hotels, restaurants, attractions and shopping.
According to the report, international visitors flying to Dubai spent an estimated AED 66 billion last year.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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