The United Arab Emirates enjoys a prominent and highly trusted position in the aviation sector, both regionally and internationally. The country is ranked first among the top 20 air transport markets globally in terms of scheduled seat capacity growth for flights at its international airports.

The aviation sector is a cornerstone of the national economic diversification and serves as a bridge to connect with various global markets. The civil aviation sector contributes over 13% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP), a percentage expected to multiply in the coming years due to significant investments by the country to continue developing this vital sector.

Moreover, the country enjoys eight international airports and owns six national carriers known for their efficiency, quality, and international reputation, particularly in the areas of safety and security. 

The total number of flights in the country's airspace in 2022 reached approximately 782,150 flights. Estimates suggest that the figures for 2023 will exceed 900,000 flight movements, driven by the recovery of air travel witnessed last year with the resurgence of travel demand and significant events on the country's agenda, such as the COP 28 conference and others.

The GCAA has launched the transformative project "Open Sky" with the aim of continuously improving the airspace, ensuring smooth air traffic flow, and accommodating the anticipated increase in the coming years. The UAE is the first country in the region to initiate this project, providing unrestricted movement for overflying aircraft without the constraints of traditional air routes. This project also contributes to shortening flight paths, reducing travel time, enhancing flight efficiency, and minimizing aircraft mileage and fuel consumption, leading to lower carbon emissions and environmental pollution. These positive impacts align with the country's environmental sustainability goals.

The UAE remains to be the country with the most signed number of open skies agreements, with over 187 agreements and memoranda of air transport signed with numerous countries worldwide. Most of these agreements are Open Skies agreements, allowing the signatory countries to conduct an unlimited number of flights between any points, with any capacity and frequency.

Furthermore, the GCAA issued new regulations regarding the "seventh freedom of air transport rights" in August of last year. This privilege, granted by one country to another, allows its affiliated airlines to operate air transport between the territory of the granting country and any third country without the need for the flight to pass through the airspace of the operator country in such operations.

This freedom provides airlines with high flexibility, enabling them to increase their ability to connect destinations, thereby offering broad opportunities for expansion and growth. The General Civil Aviation Authority continues to collaborate with its partners in the government and private sectors to adopt and develop initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness, efficiency, and quality of the UAE's civil aviation sector.