The UAE aviation sector reinforced its role as a cornerstone of the national economy in 2025, delivering major regulatory, infrastructure, and sustainability milestones that further positioned the country as a global aviation leader.
Aviation continued to contribute directly and indirectly up to 18 percent of the UAE’s gross domestic product, supporting trade, tourism, logistics, and supply chains while advancing innovation and governance standards across the industry.
In January, the General Civil Aviation Authority launched a unified national platform for unmanned aerial vehicles, streamlining drone registration and operations while enhancing safety, regulatory compliance, and investment confidence. The initiative marked a significant step in integrating advanced air mobility into the national aviation framework.
Infrastructure development accelerated in April with the GCAA granting design acceptance for the UAE’s first hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port. The facility supports the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project and represents progress toward integrated and sustainable urban air transport.
Environmental leadership remained a central focus. The UAE submitted the third edition of its State Action Plan to Reduce Aviation Emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, outlining a comprehensive set of measures including 42 operational and technological projects and 13 initiatives related to sustainable and low carbon aviation fuels.
Internationally, the UAE secured a seat on the ICAO Council for a seventh consecutive term. Senior GCAA officials also assumed prominent leadership roles, including the election of Engineer Maryam AlBalooshi as Chair of ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection, the first representative from the Middle East to hold the position.
The country further cemented its influence by hosting global aviation forums, including the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium. ICAO also formally adopted the UAE’s Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace as an annual event, underscoring its global impact.
Passenger traffic across UAE airports reached approximately 108.59 million in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting continued growth and global connectivity.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
