UAE Aviation Sector Strengthens Economy And Emiratisation Through Talent Attraction And Growth

The UAE aviation sector is now a core driver of national growth, supporting the wider economy and society. It is expanding across airports, airlines and infrastructure, which is generating high-quality jobs, supporting Emiratisation policies and attracting skilled professionals from inside and outside the country.

According to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the aviation sector currently supports about one million direct and indirect jobs. The same data shows that aviation contributes nearly 18 percent of the UAE’s gross domestic product, making the sector a major part of the country’s long-term development plans.

Entities speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) stressed that recruitment and workforce development remain their key priorities. They said strong human capital is essential for sustainable expansion and efficient operations, particularly as passenger numbers, air cargo volumes and international route networks continue to grow across the UAE aviation sector.

Sector stakeholders also highlighted the impact of large-scale airport projects, upgraded facilities and enhanced services. These investments are strengthening the UAE aviation sector as an integrated ecosystem that supports economic diversification, digital transformation and advanced training of national professionals able to guide the next phase of industry development.

GCAA figures show a large professional workforce within civil aviation, covering technical and operational roles that sustain daily activity. The sector includes over 10,000 pilots, 38,000 cabin crew, 4,651 engineers, 464 air traffic controllers and 427 flight dispatchers, forming a skills base that underpins continued expansion.

During January, the GCAA organised the "Promising Future" Aviation Career Fair with its strategic partners. More than 13,000 people registered interest in the event, while thousands of students and jobseekers met representatives of 27 participating organisations including airlines, airports, manufacturers and training academies.

UAE aviation sector Emiratisation at Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi Airports stated that it is working to maintain an appealing workplace for both national and international professionals. This approach aligns with the ongoing expansion of infrastructure across its five airports and supports growing Emirati participation in operational, strategic and commercial roles within the wider UAE aviation sector.

Hanan Ibrahim Al Abed, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said that Emiratisation is treated as a core strategic goal. The company uses an integrated approach that includes direct hiring, graduate schemes, technical career paths, leadership training, scholarships and long-term retention plans focused on motivating national talent.

At Etihad Airways, Emiratisation is also advancing through structured hiring and development initiatives. Fatima Al Hammadi, Senior Manager for HR Business Partners and National Development, said that around 1,200 Emirati professionals now work at the airline, which aims to recruit a further 1,200 UAE nationals over the next five years across multiple disciplines.

Together, these efforts show how the UAE aviation sector is growing as an interconnected system for jobs, skills and investment. Expanding infrastructure, clear Emiratisation strategies and targeted career fairs are helping to build a large, specialised workforce that supports both current operations and the future needs of national civil aviation.

With inputs from WAM