The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE, in collaboration with the Government Experience Exchange Office (GEEO) at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, will launch the third edition of the “International Program for Civil Aviation Leaders” in Dubai, from November 18 to 21. The event will be attended by His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA, along with the participation of more than 20 ministers responsible for air transport, and the heads and directors of civil aviation authorities from Arab countries.

His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA

In this regard, His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA, stated: “Under the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE has launched innovative national initiatives and strategies to boost the competitiveness and leadership of the civil aviation sector regionally and globally, furthering its role in the growth and sustainability of our national economy. The International Program for Civil Aviation Leaders offers a prime platform to showcase the UAE’s efforts in advancing this vital sector through globally recognized best practices, uniting a distinguished group of leaders, experts, and specialists in air transport.”

He added: “In this third edition, we are committed to continuing joint efforts, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing with our Arab brothers to elevate the civil aviation sector to new heights of progress and prosperity, exploring the latest future trends in innovation, sustainability, and advanced aviation technologies. These efforts will foster the growth of Arab economies and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global civil aviation leader, aligned with the objectives of “We the UAE Vision 2031.”

His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange

His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, emphasized that the International Program for Civil Aviation Leaders embodies the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership. It reflects the country’s commitment to transferring knowledge, sharing best practices, experiences, and the achievements of the UAE government with nations worldwide, particularly our Arab brothers. The initiative is designed to build specialized capacities, driving progress across various sectors and enhancing their readiness for the future.

Mr. Lootah further stated that the UAE government is committed to sharing the successful models it has developed in government operations, as well as in various economic, developmental, and societal fields, with both sisterly and friendly countries. This approach has been firmly established by the leadership over the years, leading to the creation of the Government Experience Exchange Office in 2018.

For his part, His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, stated: “The launch of the third edition of the International Program for Civil Aviation Leaders will mark a new milestone in strengthening cooperation and exchanging knowledge, expertise, and best practices in the civil aviation sector within the Arab region, especially with the distinguished high-level participation from the UAE and Arab countries.”

Al Suwaidi emphasized that the program will bring together numerous ministers and executives under one roof to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the aviation sector. He also noted that the participation of over 20 ministers responsible for air transport, along with heads and directors of civil aviation authorities from Arab countries, reflects our collective commitment to developing this vital sector and highlights the importance of Arab cooperation in building a sustainable future for aviation.

He added: “Launched in 2019, this program aims to provide a deeper understanding of the links between aviation, economic development, and government innovation. The third edition will feature strategic presentations and discussions on key topics, including enhancing aviation’s contribution to economic growth, government transformation, strategic foresight, innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation, and other vital issues for the Arab civil aviation sector. We look forward to fruitful discussions and field visits that will enrich our experience and contribute to achieving the program’s goals.”

The program will be held daily at various landmarks across the UAE, including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Emirates Towers, Emirates Engineering Centre, the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo City, and a site visit to Strata.