In alignment with the ongoing commitment of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to strengthen the standing and competitiveness of the UAE civil aviation sector, as well as to develop the infrastructure for air transport services to be the most connected globally, the GCAA has launched the 'Building Better Airports' campaign. This initiative highlights various ongoing infrastructure projects at the country's airports, with the aim of enhancing national capabilities and reinforcing the sector's competitiveness on various global indicators. 

Among the prominent projects currently underway is the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world's largest upon completion. Additionally, there's the initiation of the Sharjah International Airport terminal expansion project, which is expected to increase the airport's capacity to 20 million passengers annually. Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi International Airport North Runway Rehabilitation Project aims to increase capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure infrastructure longevity. Additionally, the Sir Bani Yas Island Airport upgrade project focuses on enhancing island connectivity and accommodating wider-body aircraft.

In addition, there are ongoing airfield lighting upgrade projects across UAE airports, transitioning from halogen to LED lights in line with the national sustainable lighting initiative launched by the GCAA in 2023. 

The UAE has successfully established itself as a leader regionally and globally in indicators related to the efficiency and quality of air transport services. The country ranks first in the Arab and regional levels and second globally in terms of the available seat kilometers (ASK) of commercial airlines. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF)'s 2022 Global Competitiveness Reports, it also secured the seventh position globally in air transport service efficiency and the tenth position in the number of operating airlines.

Furthermore, the UAE holds the top spot among Arab and regional countries and ranks fifth globally in terms of air transport quality, as highlighted in the IMD World Competitiveness Booklet 2023 issued by the World Competitiveness Centre of the World Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

According to data published by OAG Aviation, a provider of airport and airline data, the UAE ranks first among the world's 20 largest air transport markets in terms of the growth of scheduled seating capacity for flights at its international airports.

 The country continues its efforts to develop and enhance all components of the civil aviation sector, which contributes to over 13% of the national GDP. Expectations are that this percentage will grow to 170% over the next two decades, supporting 1.4 million job opportunities and contributing AED 470 billion (USD 128 billion) to the country's economy.