February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Emirates is a state-owned international airline headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (the emirate’s sovereign wealth fund). Founded in 1985 with just two leased aircraft, Emirates has grown into the world’s largest international airline by scheduled revenue passenger-kilometres and the largest operator of both the Airbus A380 (the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft) and the Boeing 777 wide-body family. The airline operates over 3,600 flights per week to more than 150 destinations across six continents from its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Terminal 3 — the world’s largest airport building by floor space, built exclusively for Emirates operations.

UAE Context

Emirates is arguably the single most important commercial enterprise in Dubai’s economic model. The airline’s global route network transforms Dubai’s geographic position between East and West into a connectivity advantage that drives tourism, trade, financial services, and real estate investment across the emirate. An estimated 40 percent of Dubai’s GDP is directly or indirectly linked to aviation, and Emirates is the dominant contributor. The airline employs over 60,000 people through The Emirates Group (including ground handling subsidiary dnata), making it one of the largest private-sector employers in the UAE. Emirates’ premium brand — reinforced through sponsorships of global sporting properties including Arsenal FC, Real Madrid, the US Open, and the Emirates Melbourne Cup — positions Dubai as a luxury destination in the global consciousness. The airline’s loyalty programme, Emirates Skywards, has over 30 million members worldwide, creating a direct marketing channel to high-value international travellers.

Key Data

  • Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
  • Founded: 1985
  • Owner: Investment Corporation of Dubai (Government of Dubai)
  • Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Terminal 3
  • Fleet size: Over 260 wide-body aircraft (A380s and Boeing 777s)
  • Destinations: Over 150 cities across six continents
  • Weekly flights: Over 3,600
  • Employees: Over 60,000 (Emirates Group including dnata)
  • Annual revenue: Exceeding USD 30 billion (Emirates Group)
  • Loyalty programme: Emirates Skywards (30+ million members)

Significance for Vision 2031

Emirates Airline is the connective infrastructure upon which Dubai’s Vision 2031 and D33 Agenda economic targets depend. The airline’s continued fleet expansion and route development directly support the goal of doubling Dubai’s economy by 2033 and attracting 25 million annual tourists. Emirates’ planned transition to next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft — including large orders for the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 — addresses sustainability targets while maintaining capacity growth. The airline’s investment in Emirates Flight Training Academy, advanced engineering facilities, and technology innovation positions it as a catalyst for knowledge-economy jobs and STEM workforce development. As operations eventually transition toward Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Emirates’ growth trajectory will define the scale and pace of what is projected to become the world’s largest airport.