His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airlines and the Group, confirmed that whoever bets against Dubai in the future will lose.
His Highness added, in an interview with CNN, that “Dubai is Dubai… it is a global landmark and a destination for everyone. Look at the number of people who came to Dubai during the pandemic period, and the reason behind this is that Emirates has remained open for everyone, taking into account the laws and regulations.”
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His Highness stressed that the multiplicity of airlines in the UAE enhances competition, stressing the need for the presence of many airlines in the UAE market, to promote healthy competition and meet the needs of the growing population.
His Highness said: “Looking at the two years we lived through the pandemic, things look much better. We had to start vaccinating more than 92% of the population of the UAE, or more than 22 million people. For Emirates Airlines, more than 90% of the company’s total employees have received the vaccine, and the speed of response is a necessary condition for success.”
In response to the reference of the interviewer, broadcaster Richard Quest, to what the two CEOs, Tony Douglas and Tim Clark, said about the merger of Emirates Airlines and Etihad that the matter is out of their hands, His Highness affirmed that competition is healthy and good for development not only within the UAE but also in various countries of the world.
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His Highness justified the presence of an Emirates Airlines pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, as it displays the company’s services to customers as well as looks into the future of Dubai’s aviation facilities.
His Highness added, “I think we should always look to the future with open eyes… A lot of people have lost in the past betting on Dubai.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed described Dubai as a distinctive sign with the number of people who migrated to it during the pandemic, because it kept the country’s doors open while observing the laws and rules. His Highness further stressed that this distinctive mark after the pandemic will continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world and will always achieve a better tomorrow for all.
