In a major step to boost Emiratisation in the aviation industry, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the launch of the country’s first comprehensive aviation employment fair. Titled “A Promising Future”, the event will take place on January 21–22, 2026 at Etihad Museum in Dubai and will gather under one roof the most prominent players in the national aviation ecosystem.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to bring together federal and local government bodies, airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and key private sector organizations, totaling participation from 18 leading entities operating within the UAE aviation sector.
Supporting National Workforce Development
Spearheaded by the GCAA, the career fair is designed to unify efforts across the aviation sector to attract and develop Emirati talent. The authority has emphasized its long-term commitment to increasing the presence of UAE nationals across all areas of the aviation industry.
“Enhancing Emiratisation in this vital sector is a top priority,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA. “The aviation industry currently supports over 990,000 jobs in the UAE, and we expect this number to grow significantly in the coming years, particularly with the rapid evolution of aviation technology.”
A Platform for Career Opportunities and Collaboration
The event is also being hailed as a key platform to educate and engage young Emiratis about the diverse career opportunities available within aviation. Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, noted that the fair will help bridge the gap between regulatory bodies, operational entities, and academic institutions.
Meanwhile, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, described the event as “a vital opportunity to showcase the broad spectrum of professional pathways in aviation and to support the development of UAE nationals in the field.”
New Jobs on the Horizon
Adding to the excitement, SAND Group CEO Mansoor Janahi revealed ambitious hiring plans: “Over the next three years, SAND aims to recruit more than 1,000 specialists across its MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) operations in Abu Dhabi, as well as at its new GTF engine maintenance center in Al Ain—with a strong focus on Emirati talent.”
Manal Al Souri, Senior Vice President of Recruitment at Emirates Group, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, calling it “a new benchmark for cooperation across the aviation sector in the UAE—one that will significantly benefit the local workforce and contribute to the global aviation industry.”
