Dubai: The UAE's aviation sector is expected to account for 38 per cent of the country's gross domestic product in the future, having grown steadily over the past years.
Opening the Airport Show on Monday, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said he expected the aviation industry to continue to add jobs and contribute to the UAE's economic growth.
The Airport Show, now in its 18th edition, kicked off in Dubai on Monday, bringing together over 300 exhibitors from 90 countries to discuss the latest trends in the aviation industry.
On focus this year are the latest technologies for airports to help operators improve the passenger experience and raise efficiencies.
According to the Centre for Aviation (CAPA) data, up to $1.1 trillion is spent on airport construction globally — $255 billion of which is being invested in new airport projects, while $845 billion is being invested in projects such as runways and terminal buildings.
