The UAE’s sky-high ambitions in the aviation world are nothing less than turbocharged. From striking billion-dollar deals to building cross-continental alliances and gearing up for a glamorous, star-studded Dubai Airshow 2025, this month’s activities (and achievements) just amplies the country and Dubai’s aviation game and its aim to lead it.

Strengthening aviation ties with China

In a major stride towards deepening international aviation ties, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), led a high-level delegation to China this month. The mission was to propel technical and commercial cooperation between two of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.

The UAE team, which included senior figures from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, EDGE Group, and Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation, toured top Chinese aerospace firms including COMAC, TCab Tech, AutoFlight, and CETC LES. Conversations centred around aircraft manufacturing, certification systems, maintenance collaboration, and cutting-edge innovations in urban air mobility. The visit culminated in Beijing with strategic meetings alongside China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) and Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB).

“We’re charting a future where regulatory alignment and joint innovation will drive a safer, smarter, and more sustainable global aviation sector,” – Al Suwaidi

DAE deepens ties with United Airlines

Back home, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) is making serious moves to expand its fleet and reinforce its position in North America. This month, DAE inked a major deal with United Airlines, purchasing 10 brand-new Boeing 737-9 aircraft in a purchase-leaseback arrangement, with deliveries slated between August 2025 and February 2026.

“We are delighted to continue building on our valued relationship with United. This agreement reflects our continued commitment to the North American market. We congratulate United on their continued success and look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.” – Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE

The Boeing 737-9, part of the fuel-efficient MAX family, slashes emissions and fuel use by 20% compared to older models. DAE currently manages or owns over 750 aircraft, including 225 Boeings, and has bold expansion plans in the pipeline.

Dubai Airshow 2025 gears up for biggest edition yet

And because Dubai doesn’t do things halfway or half-heartedly, the Dubai Airshow 2025 is already shaping up to be an unmissable spectacle. The annual aviation industry bash will include a gala dinner at Atlantis the Palm on November 20, promising not only networking and innovation, but also star-studded world-class entertainment.

Award-winning soul singer Teddy Swims will serenade guests with chart-toppers like “Lose Control” and “The Door”, while DJ legend Mark Ronson will keep the energy up with an electrifying afterparty set. This year’s gala continues a glittering tradition that’s seen performances from icons like Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and OneRepublic.

“The Dubai Airshow is where the aviation and aerospace world doesn’t just gather, it lifts off. It’s a convergence of ambition, imagination, and progress… and a celebration of the human dimension behind aviation’s momentum. This year’s edition will be our most ambitious yet, a tribute to the energy that moves us forward, and to aviation’s enduring role in connecting the world not just physically, but creatively, culturally, and collectively.” – Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports

Dubai’s steady ascent as the global aviation capital

The recent announcements and activities only add to the already incredible list of things that continue to elevate Dubai’s status as the world’s leading international aviation hub.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has just reported its busiest first half on record, welcoming 46 million guests in the first six months of 2025. This represents a 2.3% year-on-year growth, despite temporary regional airspace disruptions in May and June. Last year the airport handled a record 92.3 million passenger, retaining its title as the world’s busiest airport for international travel.

DXB’s performance was marked by several notable achievements, including a record 8.5 million guests in January and 8 million guests in April. The airport handled 222,000 total flights and processed 41.8 million bags, with 91% delivered within 45 minutes on arrival. Based on its strong performance, DXB expects to reach 96 million passengers by the end of the year, bringing it closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone. The airport’s cargo handling also remained strong, with over 1 million tonnes of cargo handled in the first half of 2025.

Some other major achievements include:

• The airport’s Q1 2025 traffic remained strong, and with a projection of 96 million travellers by year-end, the emirate is already looking ahead to surpass 100 million passengers by 2026.
• The $35 billion terminal expansion at Al Maktoum International (DWC), positioning it as the future global mega-hub with a 260 million passenger capacity and next-gen AI baggage and transit systems.
• Dubai Airports introducing AI-powered inventory forecasting, biometric smart gates, and plans to support air taxis through partnerships with eVTOL leaders like Joby Aviation, which delivered its first aircraft to Dubai in July 2025.
• Emirates reported record annual profits of nearly $6 billion, rewarding staff with 22 weeks’ salary and accelerating its aircraft retrofit programme.
• flydubai, meanwhile, added new destinations across Asia and Africa, contributing to a notable surge in regional connectivity.
• Emirates SkyCargo expanding its freighter fleet.
• DXB processed over 2.2 million tonnes of freight in 2024 alone.

Beyond the numbers, Dubai has positioned itself as a future-forward leader—hosting landmark events like the Dubai Airshow 2025 gala and building momentum around sustainability, technology, and talent. All signs point to a future where Dubai is a central engine powering global aviation.