Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that the Emirates Group will remain a cornerstone in shaping the future of the economy and a crucial partner in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He expressed appreciation to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group. The Emirates Group announced yesterday that it has reached a record annual profit of AED 22.7 billion (USD 6.2 billion), marking an 18% increase from the previous year.
In a tweet on the platform X, Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the 121,000 members of the Emirates Group team, particularly highlighting Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed and Sir Tim Clark. He stated, “Emirates Airline continues to soar as the most profitable airline group in the world, achieving annual profits exceeding AED 22 billion and revenues of AED 145 billion. Emirates is more than just a transportation company; it’s an economic driver for the UAE, connecting continents and serving as a developmental bridge to our future.”
In the introduction to the Emirates Airline annual report for 2024-2025, Sheikh Mohammed noted, “Despite the rapid changes in a global landscape filled with challenges, Dubai has remained committed to the vision of our founding fathers—bold in its ambitions, open to the world, and ready to embrace change as it prepares for the future.”
Preferred Destination
Sheikh Mohammed added in his report introduction, “From this vision, Dubai has emerged as a world-class destination for projects and innovation—a vital bridge linking the East and the West, a model for prosperous cities in the 21st century. Driven by significant ambitions and underpinned by stability, Dubai embraces creativity and innovation as core principles, welcoming every creative thought and exceptional talent to be partners in a growth journey focused on transforming opportunities into successes.”
Effective Systems
He continued, “Recently, the world has experienced a period of uncertainty; nonetheless, Dubai has continued to evolve through targeted investments in smart infrastructure, skilled human capital, strong partnerships, and effective systems that prioritize human happiness, delivering world-class services across all sectors, alongside success stories resulting from the collaboration between public and private sectors, attracting global attention and appreciation.”
Sheikh Mohammed remarked, “One of our notable success stories is the Dubai-based Emirates Airline, which over decades has expanded Dubai’s global presence and opened new economic horizons by connecting people, goods, and ideas across continents. It has created job opportunities, boosted trade, enhanced tourism, and fortified global connections that drive prosperity.”
Sustainable Impact
He added that, in numerical terms, the Emirates Group contributed approximately AED 75 billion to Dubai’s economy in 2023, representing about 15% of the emirate’s GDP, while supporting over 236,000 jobs. Emirates Airline and Dnata continue to make a sustainable impact in the communities they serve across six continents and nearly 200 cities. Sheikh Mohammed affirmed, “Under the leadership of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the group has become a global benchmark for excellence and an inspiring model of what a national company can achieve, reaching the highest levels of global efficiency driven by an ambitious vision.”
Cornerstone
He stated emphatically, “The Emirates Group will continue to be the cornerstone in building our economic future and a key partner in achieving the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, completing its role within the growing and sustainable air transport ecosystem.”
Smart City
Sheikh Mohammed also mentioned, “Last year, we announced a significant investment of AED 128 billion for the development of the new Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South, which, upon its completion in the 2030s, will be the largest airport in the world. Around this hub, Dubai South will evolve into a new smart city, sustainable and full of opportunities, opening new avenues for growth for the Emirates Group and the United Arab Emirates.”
He concluded, “As Emirates Airline celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the airline and Dnata are preparing for a new phase of growth through strategic investments in human capital, technology, equipment, and infrastructure, to continue setting new standards for global excellence in air transport.”