GCAA's First UAE Aviation Career Fair: Emirates, Etihad, Airbus Seek New Talent.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is launching a major initiative. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will host the nation’s first Civil Aviation Career Fair. This event aims to connect Emirati students and professionals with top recruiters. It is a key step to boost Emiratisation in aviation.

The fair will be held in Dubai on January 21–22, 2026. The historic Etihad Museum will host the two-day event. It will feature 18 entities from across the sector. These include federal authorities, major airlines, and airports.

Key participants include Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai. Air Arabia, Abu Dhabi Airports, and Dubai Airports will also attend. Global manufacturer Airbus is also expected to participate. Officials see the fair as crucial for building a smart, interconnected aviation ecosystem.

A Focus on Diverse Aviation Roles

The UAE Civil Aviation Career Fair seeks to broaden career perceptions. Aviation careers go far beyond pilots and cabin crew. Visitors will learn about a wide range of roles. These include air traffic control engineering, safety, and security. Inspections, ground operations, and technical services are also highlighted. The GCAA Director General, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, stressed this diversity. The goal is developing the next generation of Emirati aviation leaders. The fair will feature talks and panel discussions. These sessions will help young people understand career pathways.

Significant Sector Employment

The aviation sector is a cornerstone of the UAE economy. It currently supports more than 990,000 jobs across the country. The wider sector sustains almost 991,500 jobs across supply chains and tourism. This robust industry contributes $92 billion annually to the national economy. Demand for skilled professionals is expected to grow further. This growth is driven by major technological transformations.

Industry Leaders Commit to National Talent

Major players are actively recruiting national talent. Emirates Etihad flydubai are offering long-term career opportunities. Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves confirmed the search for “the brightest minds.” The airline is committed to dedicated programs for UAE nationals.

flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith noted the airline's large workforce. The carrier employs over 6,700 people, including 1,400 pilots. It will continue investing in people as the industry expands. Abu Dhabi-based MRO group Sanad also announced major hiring plans. Sanad plans to hire over 1,000 professionals in the next three years. This hiring will cover its Abu Dhabi operations and its new GTF engine MRO centre in Al Ain. The focus remains strongly on recruiting and advancing Emirati talent.

Driving Global Aviation Growth

The fair occurs amid a period of strong regional growth. The Middle East is forecast to lead global airline profitability in 2026. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects net profits of $6.9 billion. This reflects a 9.3% net margin, the highest globally. Regional passenger traffic is forecast to reach 240 million in 2026. This strong performance underscores the need for a skilled workforce.

Significant infrastructure development is fueling this demand. The massive expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is underway. This project is poised to become the world’s largest airport. This expansion will generate substantial long-term employment. It reinforces the UAE’s role as a global aviation nexus. The GCAA’s initiative is vital for connecting UAE talent with these expanding roles. This ensures the sector can sustain its rapid growth. Read more commercial aviation news on flying.flights.

Senior leaders from Dubai Airports and the Emirates Group back the fair. They describe it as a powerful platform to inspire future Emirati aviation professionals. It is seen as a new benchmark for collaboration in the UAE aviation community.