The aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates continues to solidify its position as one of the main drivers of the national economy and social development, fueled by rapid expansions in airports, airlines, and related infrastructure. This is creating thousands of quality job opportunities, attracting national and international talent, and enhancing Emiratization programs and human capital development. The overall scene indicates that the UAE's aviation sector has become an integrated system for economic growth, job creation, and accelerating digital transformation, in addition to its role in attracting investment and building a national workforce capable of leading the future of this vital sector. According to the General Civil Aviation Authority, the aviation sector provides around one million direct and indirect jobs and contributes approximately 18% to the GDP, making it one of the pillars of comprehensive development in the country. In January, the Authority, in cooperation with its strategic partners, organized the 'Promising Future' recruitment exhibition for the civil aviation sector, where registrations exceeded 13,000 interested individuals. Twenty-seven participating entities, representing airlines, airports, manufacturers, and academies, interviewed thousands of students and job seekers. The Authority also noted that the civil aviation sector features a growing base of professional talent, including over 10,000 pilots, 38,000 cabin crew members, 4,651 engineers, 464 air traffic controllers, and 427 flight dispatchers, which supports the sector's growth and evolution. Abu Dhabi Airports also confirmed its continued commitment to fostering an attractive work environment for national and international talents amidst infrastructure expansion across its five airports, with an increasing representation of Emiratis in various operational, strategic, and commercial departments. Hanan Ibrahim Al-Abed, Executive Director of Human Capital at Abu Dhabi Airports, stated that Emiratization is a strategic priority, supported by a comprehensive system that includes direct recruitment, new graduate programs, specialized technical tracks, leadership development, and scholarships, alongside long-term plans to retain and motivate national talent. She also pointed out that a significant number of new jobs will be created at Abu Dhabi Airports in 2026, aligning with the growth in operations, service development, and digital capabilities to meet the increasing demand for travel. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence have boosted the demand for skills in data analytics, cybersecurity, systems integration, digital project management, and designing advanced passenger experiences. Etihad Airways also affirmed that the sector is a key supporter of the national economy due to the specialized job opportunities it provides and its role in fostering growth and global connectivity for the country. Fatima Mohamed Al-Hamadi, Senior Vice President of Human Capital and National Talent Development at Etihad, mentioned that around 1,200 Emirati talents currently work for the airline, with a plan to double this number in the next five years by recruiting an additional 1,200 citizens across various fields. Ibrahim Budbus, Head of Human Resources at the SAND Group, stated that the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the increased demand for travel and new aircraft, which in turn affected engine maintenance services, supply chains, and production, boosting the need for specialized technical talent. He added that the group's Emiratization rate reached about 36% by the end of last year, with plans to increase it annually to support the national Emiratization agenda and build a sustainable base of Emirati specialists in aircraft engine maintenance. He also explained that the rising demand for new aircraft has increased the need for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, creating quality job opportunities within the country, noting that the UAE's strategic location has made it a global hub attracting talent and expertise from around the world.
