Aviation industry key tributary for boosting economic growth: Saud

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor/WAM

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, affirmed that the aviation industry is a fundamental pillar for achieving comprehensive development and a vital tributary for promoting economic growth and building a better and more sustainable future for next generations.

He made this statement while attending the 11th Arab Aviation Summit (AAS), the region’s leading aviation and tourism industry event, taking place at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah on Wednesdy.

Held under the theme ‘Exploring The Future of Travel’, the summit, which is being hosted by the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah for the fourth consecutive year, drew the participation of a large number of officials and experts in the travel and tourism sectors locally, regionally and internationally.

Sheikh Saud said, “Ras Al Khaimah is keen to strengthen joint work in order to envision a sustainable future for the aviation and tourism sectors in the UAE, the Arab region and the world, and to move towards broader horizons of cooperation and build strong partnerships to achieve prosperity and development. The emirate also seeks to consolidate the concept of sustainability and innovation in visions, strategies and tourism plans, by encouraging investments and adopting legislations and policies that achieve a balance between economic and tourism growth and sustainability, in line with global environmental and social standards, and draw the features of a better future for humanity.”

Sheikh Saud added, “The summit is a platform for exchanging ideas and visions and discussing the opportunities and challenges facing this vital sector. We are pleased to host this leading event for its importance in promoting integration and cohesion that contributes to driving the wheel of growth and development in the aviation and tourism sectors in the UAE and the Arab world as they are two of the most prominent drivers of comprehensive development.”

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr pointed out that achieving sustainability in the aviation sector requires continuous efforts through building effective and permanent partnerships between the public and private sectors on the one hand, and investors and international tourism organisations on the other hand, in a way that supports the growth and progress of this sector and achieves its development goals in tourist countries.

The summit, which is organised in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, discusses growth and partnership opportunities in the aviation sector amidst a challenging environment, with the participation of senior decision-makers representing various segments of the sector.

The summit’s agenda includes discussions on the most prominent global trends, operational stability, the impact of technological advancement, and the increasing focus on sustainability to promote the growth of the sector in the Arab world, in addition to delivering a number of keynote speeches, and holding panel discussions and dialogues that highlight the drivers of growth as Arab airlines continue to expand their fleets and international networks and strengthen aviation hubs in the region.

Prominent speakers at the event opening included Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA); Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia; Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East; Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers Organization; and Cpt. Aysha Alhameli, Assistant Director - General - Air Accident Investigation, GCAA.

Organised under the theme ‘Exploring The Future of Travel’, the two-day summit is hosting a distinguished gathering of the global aviation community to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and set new benchmarks to shape the future of the regional and global aviation and travel industry.

Featuring a line-up of interactive panel discussions and inspiring keynote addresses in addition to various workshops and exhibitions, the annual summit promises to redefine the concepts of destinations and passenger experiences as industry leaders discuss evolving consumer expectations and how businesses can adapt, alongside actionable strategies to nurture talent and leadership in a rapidly changing environment.

Hosted in collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), AAS 2024 is supported by global industry partners such as Airbus, CFM, Collins Aerospace, T3 Aviation Academy and CHOOOSE, and others.

The Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) is an industry initiative committed to improving the state of Arab aviation and tourism by facilitating a constructive dialogue for public-private co-operation. Referred to as the ‘voice of the industry’, this initiative attracts the largest assembly of top executives from the aviation and tourism sector as well as Arab media.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Saqr bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RAK Ceramics, today inaugurated the ‘QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East’, which is hosted by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK).

The three-day event addresses issues related to the theme “Cultures of Innovation: Elevating quality education for a thriving Middle East”.