The Economy of the UAE
Emirates, Etihad and the Aviation Hub
Emirates and Etihad built global airlines that use Dubai and Abu Dhabi as connecting hubs.
Airlines brought the world to the Gulf.
Hub model
Long-haul flights connect through Dubai to hundreds of cities.
Emirates
Founded in 1985, it became one of the world’s largest international airlines.
Impact
Aviation supports tourism, trade and jobs.
Debates
Western airlines argued that state support gave Gulf carriers an unfair advantage.
A transit passenger
A traveller from India to the US spends several hours in Dubai and shops at the airport.
Thinking airlines are separate from the wider economy
They feed tourism and trade.
Key takeaways
- Emirates was founded in 1985.
- Hubs connect global routes.
- Aviation supports tourism.
- Subsidy debates exist.
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