The UAE aviation sector has reinforced its status as one of the strongest pillars of the national economy, recording a year of policy progress, sustainability leadership and expanding global influence during 2025.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the sector continued to consolidate its position as a global benchmark for governance, innovation and sustainable growth. Its direct and indirect contribution reached up to 18 per cent of gross domestic product, reflecting its vital role in supporting trade, tourism, logistics and supply chains, alongside wider economic competitiveness.
One of the year’s early milestones came in January, when the General Civil Aviation Authority launched a unified national platform for unmanned aerial vehicles. The interactive digital system was designed to regulate and register drone operations, clarify usage requirements and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. The platform also aims to enhance safety, operational efficiency and the overall investment environment.
In April, the GCAA granted Design Acceptance for the country’s first hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port. The facility forms part of the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project and represents a step towards more integrated and sustainable air transport solutions across the emirate.
UAE aviation leads sustainable growth
Environmental sustainability remained a central priority throughout the year. The GCAA submitted the third edition of the UAE’s State Action Plan to Reduce Aviation Emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organisation after receiving Cabinet approval. The plan was developed in collaboration with stakeholders across the aviation sector to support the UAE’s global climate commitments while ensuring sustainable economic growth.
The updated submission reflects the country’s proactive stance on climate action and its commitment to international obligations under ICAO Assembly Resolution A37-19 (2010) and subsequent resolutions. It adopts a comprehensive “basket of measures” to reduce aviation emissions, including 42 projects focused on operations and technology, as well as 13 projects related to sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon fuels.
On the international front, the UAE secured a seat on the ICAO Council for a seventh consecutive term. Hamad Salem Al Muhairi, Assistant Director-General of the Aviation Security Affairs Sector at the GCAA, was re-elected as Chairperson of the ICAO Aviation Security Panel for the third consecutive year. Engineer Maryam AlBalooshi was also elected Chair of the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection, becoming the first from the Middle East to hold the position.
The UAE further strengthened its role as a global hub for aviation dialogue by hosting major international events, including the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium and the launch of the “Global Sustainable Aviation Market” initiative in Abu Dhabi. The ICAO Council later adopted the initiative as an annual event under its official calendar.
Passenger traffic continued to rise, with Abu Dhabi Airports, Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport handling around 108.59 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025.
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