Dubai International Airport stands as a remarkable success story within the community of airports. At start-up in 1937, nothing presaged the development of a major hub for air travel and cargo in Dubai that would serve not only the Middle East, but also Asia, Europe and Africa.

Mr. Ghassan Amhaz’s book traces Dubai’s exciting aviation growth – how it rose to the place it has secured as a world class facility and its objectives for future growth.

Today, Dubai is steadily building a firm foothold in the list of top performing airports worldwide. In the international cargo area alone, Dubai grew by 6 percent in 2009, despite a very tough global economic market, catapulting the airport to third rank for the year, up five ranks from 2008. Over 50 years of effort and planning have contributed to the success of Dubai International. Key factors have been the pursuit of the open skies policy, the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and now His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s who is carrying forward the ambitious plan for aviation infrastructure development in the Dubai. The opening of Dubai World Central is a major milestone in continuing pursuit of Dubai’s global aviation vision for the aviation industry in the region.

This collaboration between aviation stakeholders and government, coupled with clear economic objectives and steadfast leadership, is a winning combination for the region’s economic development. We at ACI are pleased to have the airport’s active participation in our many programmes and their unfailing commitment to operational excellence that meets globally harmonized standards.
I extend all best wishes to Dubai and its airport community for continued success in the coming years.