- Visitors stayed an average of 3.8 nights in 2023, spending an average of AED4,300 on hotels, restaurants, attractions and shopping.
- International visitors flying to Dubai spent an estimated AED66bn in 2023.
- In total, aviation-facilitated tourism spending is estimated to have contributed AED43bn in gross value added, or 8.5% of Dubai’s GDP.
Tourism to Dubai is projected to grow significantly over the next six years, with aviation-facilitated tourism spending expected to support AED63 billion in gross value added, equivalent to 10% of Dubai’s projected GDP.
DUBAI: Dubai’s aviation sector would contribute AED196 billion or 32 per cent of Dubai’s GDP at 2023 prices by 2030, fueled by increasing passenger volumes and air connectivity
The economic impact study conducted by Oxford Economics and released by the Emirates Group and Dubai Airports revealed that in 2023, the aviation sector, which encompasses Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, accounted for AED137 billion ($37.3 billion) in gross value added (GVA), representing 27 per cent of Dubai’s GDP.
The figure illustrates not only the robustness of aviation-related activities but also their fundamental contribution to the emirate’s economic fabric. Furthermore, the sector supported 631,000 jobs, equating to one in five positions in Dubai.
Employment opportunities
Projections indicate that the total number of jobs linked to the aviation sector is set to grow to 816,000 by 2030, reflecting the sector’s ability to generate employment opportunities amidst rapid growth.
The catalytic impact of tourism, facilitated through aviation, further enhances the sector’s economic significance. The study emphasises a substantial contribution from tourism spending, accounting for AED43 billion, indicating that the aviation sector not only fuels economic activity directly but also through the promotion of Dubai as a global tourism hub.
Investment in infrastructure remains a critical component of sustaining the aviation sector’s growth. The ambitious AED128 billion expansion plan for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to future-proofing its aviation services.
Expected to house over 400 aircraft stands and cater to 260 million passengers annually, this project is poised to ensure that Dubai remains at the forefront of the global aviation industry.
Expansion of Dubai World Central
The expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International is not included in the study, however, the construction project is expected to contribute an estimated AED6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030, as well as support 132,000 jobs.
The new airport and surrounding infrastructure will contribute to Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen the emirate’s trade and tourism footprint.
As one of the most frequented destinations in the world, visitors stayed an average of 3.8 nights in 2023, spending an average of AED4,300 on hotels, restaurants, attractions and shopping.
According to the report, international visitors flying to Dubai spent an estimated AED66 billion last year.
In total, aviation-facilitated tourism spending is estimated to have contributed: AED43 billion in gross value added, or 8.5 per cent of Dubai’s GDP, supporting 329,000 jobs.
More than half of GVA, AED23 billion, was generated by those flying to Dubai with Emirates. Tourism to Dubai is projected to grow significantly over the next six years, with aviation-facilitated tourism spending expected to support AED63 billion in gross value added, equivalent to 10 per cent of Dubai’s projected GDP, as well as one in eight Dubai jobs.
