United Arab Emirates
Country facts
- Land Size:
- 83,600 sq. km. (32,278 sq. mi.)
- Population:
- 10,248,892 (est, June 2023)
- GDP:
- $498.98 billion
- Key Cities:
- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Al Ain
Market overview
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most advanced and fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. This can be attributed to the nation’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and forward-thinking vision that places great emphasis on the aviation sector as a major contributor to the economy.
In the UAE, there are two major airlines: Emirates, based in Dubai, and Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi. Both airlines have experienced considerable growth over the past decade, with large fleets of modern aircraft serving an extensive network of international routes. The growth in the market is further supported by low-cost carrier Air Arabia, based in Sharjah.
Over the years, the UAE has invested heavily in infrastructure, making it a desirable destination for airlines worldwide. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, catering to the ever-increasing number of passengers each year. This commitment to infrastructure development has resulted in an upswing of direct flight connections between the UAE and various international destinations, augmenting the nation’s status as a key aviation hub in the region.
Dubai International Airport is now one of the busiest airports globally, but the aviation industry’s growth in the UAE is not limited to passenger flights alone. The cargo sector has seen substantial growth as well, with Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport being developed as a leading global cargo hub.
The UAE’s strategic location between East and West makes it a natural crossroads for international traffic, and its advanced infrastructure provides excellent passenger and aircraft handling facilities. The country has positioned itself as a key player in the global aviation industry, and its commitment to continuous innovation and improvement promises an even brighter future.
Rajesh Krishnan
Managing Director, Middle East
Known for his innovative approach and driven by a deep understanding of the dynamics of the global aviation market, Rajesh’s journey in the aviation industry began with Qatar Airways, recognized as one of the world’s leading airlines. During his stint with the airline, he demonstrated an uncanny knack for building and maintaining strategic partnerships, refining sales strategies, and consistently meeting revenue targets. His contributions were vital to strengthening Qatar Airways’ foothold in the competitive international market.
Rajesh also has years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, where he displayed a unique ability to integrate his profound knowledge of airline operations with tourism trends. He has worked on multiple projects, focusing on fostering sustainable tourism and improving customer service standards. His extensive experience in this sector has allowed him to develop a holistic understanding of the industry’s intricacies; and his leadership and visionary outlook have established him as a highly respected professional in the field.
In his current role, Rajesh utilizes his considerable industry experience to lead sales teams, devising innovative sales strategies that are aligned with market trends and customer demands. His balanced approach to sales and operations, combined with his strategic planning skills, has proven vital in steering the company towards its growth targets. His adept negotiation skills and knowledge of international markets have greatly facilitated in expanding the reach of clients in the region, thereby boosting their global presence and steering them to new heights.
- REGION:
- Africa & Middle East
- CLIENT:
- Kam Air
- LOCATION:
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- EMAIL:
Balaji Ramgopal
Director, Business Development
Balaji Ramgopal is a seasoned professional in the travel and tourism industry, whose experience spanning four decades has equipped him with a unique blend of skills that he brings to his current role. Balaji’s career began in Oman, where he excelled in showcasing the best of the country to visitors as the Head of Tours at one of Oman’s leading travel and tour agencies. His skill at crafting memorable experiences for tourists paved the way for his next role in the United Arab Emirates, where he managed tour operations that catered to diverse international markets, including South America and Australasia.
His journey in the industry continued in Dubai, where Balaji then led MICE operations for corporate clients at a leading travel solutions provider in the United Arab Emirates. His responsibilities expanded to include managing both inbound and outbound tours and coordinating cruise packages. His adeptness at handling complex travel arrangements was further hailed at Al Rostamani Travels and Holidays, where he collaborated with renowned global entities such as Globus, Rail Europe, Thomas Cook, SriLankan Holidays, and Disneyland Paris, integrating their offerings into tailored travel packages for clients.
This successful track record led to a senior managerial role at Al Arif Sons Travel, a firm specializing in services for high net worth UAE nationals. In this role, Balaji effectively liaised with luxury hotel chains, car hire services, and government departments, enhancing the travel experience for elite clientele. His leadership and innovative approach to travel solutions saw him named as the General Manager of a similar travel services provider in Oman, where he further made use of his ability to meet the sophisticated demands of upmarket customers. He returned to Al Arif Sons Travel as their Chief Commercial Officer, where he previously managed key markets such as India, Oman & the United Arab Emirates.
- REGION:
- Africa & Middle East
- CLIENT:
- Kam Air
- LOCATION:
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- EMAIL:
