Over the last decade, Dubai has caught the world’s imagination through a range of ground-breaking large-scale development and sports activities. One of their main draws is the Burj Khalifa, officially the tallest building in the world with a height of 2,717 metres. The second largest Emirate of the seven United Arab Emirates, Dubai today, according to Wikipedia, “has emerged as a global city and a business hub” With tourism as the primary source of revenue, the government has invested heavily in the development of airports and airlines. Dubai International Airport is currently one of the fastest rising airports in the world in terms of infrastructure and airline destination. It is a significant aviation centre in the Middle East and the key airport in Dubai, the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Since the launching of Emirates, the national flag carrier of United Arab Emirates, in March 1985, according to Business Analysis, “Dubai-based Emirates Airline,. . . is one of the fastest growing and most consistently profitable carriers in aviation history”. With a start-up capital of $10 million and 2 leased airplanes from Pakistan International Airlines, which were subsequently returned in 1987, the airline has now grown to more than 148 fleets and still plans to have 320 by 2018 and 400 by 2020. Dubai International Airport is the home base of Emirates and is operated by the Department of Civil Aviation, a government owned company. Emirates by the way is managed by The Emirates Group under the holdings of Investment Company of Dubai, an investment branch of the Dubai government.
Based on the foregoing information, it is clear that the government of Dubai plays an important role in the success of the said entities. These two entities are crucial elements of Dubai’s growth and development. With Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 established in 2006 by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as the guiding principles in their strategies and decisions, goals and targets were accomplished accordingly. It is a preparation for Dubai for the post-oil era by firmly establishing it as a leading destination not only for tourists but also for trade fairs and conferences and other revenue generating centers such as professional services, financial, and logistics and distribution hub. This paper will explain the factors that account for the success of Dubai’s aviation sector.