The UAE wins the membership of the International Civil Aviation Organization Council for the seventh time in a row

The United Arab Emirates has achieved a new achievement on the international scene after its victory for the seventh consecutive time, membership of the ICAO Council, during the elections that took place on the sidelines of the forty -second session of the organization’s general assembly, held in Montreal, Canada, during the period from September 23 to October 3, 2025.

The efforts of the UAE in the international civil aviation sector resulted in the leading role and the prestigious status and confidence it enjoys at the international level, as the state obtained the majority of the votes of countries in the elections attended by Abdullah bin Touq Al -Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Authority (Chairman of the State delegation), and Saif Muhammad Al -Suwaidi, Director General of the Commission (Deputy Chairman of the State delegation), and a number of ministers, heads and general managers of the member states of the ICAO member states 193 countries.

The elections of the International Civil Aviation Organization Council are held every three years, where 36 member states are elected among the 193 member states, distributed in three groups: the first group of countries of great importance in air transport, the second group of countries that contribute to the largest amount of providing international air navigation facilities, and the third group of countries that guarantee geographical representation.

Abdullah bin Touq Al -Marri said: “This renewed victory is a global appreciation certificate for the UAE’s march in the aviation sector, and evidence of the success of our strategy in building strong partnerships with our regional and international surroundings, which came as a result of the wise directives of our wise leadership, which has always been keen to give all the components of this vital sector a special importance that enabled it to keep pace with the enormous developments in the airline. The state has proven its ability to be an active partner in formulating civil aviation policies worldwide, and its effective contributions to the files related to sustainability, environmental protection, security and flight safety.

He added: “The state’s victory is an affirmation of the continuity of serious and influential national action in future decisions to be present in the economic scene of the sector, as the contribution of the aviation sector has become clear to the state’s gross domestic product, which contributes about 18 % currently, and is expected to continue its growth during the coming years, we are proud of the trust of member states, and are committed to continuing our efforts to enhance the future of global aviation and support the goals of the organization Strategy. “

On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of the Dubai Airports Foundation, Supreme Chairman of the UAE Airlines and the Group, and a member of the Authority’s Board of Directors said: “ Our continuous investments in advanced infrastructure, aircraft and airports, as well as the development of qualified national cadres. “

“The victory also reflects the confidence that we have internationally and regionally as a result of our friendly and balanced diplomatic initiatives, and our commitment to international standards, which makes the UAE an influential voice in drawing civil aviation policies worldwide.”

Mohamed Ali Al -Shurafa, Chairman of the Municipalities and Transport Department – Abu Dhabi, a member of the Authority’s Board of Directors: “The re -election of the UAE for the ICAO Council for the seventh time reflects the appreciation of the international community for the balanced approach adopted by the state in developing the aviation sector, and the safe and sustainable environment it provides for air transport. It also confirms the success of our strategies in investing in national cadres and the advanced infrastructure of the sector.”

“This continuous victory also reflects the confidence that we gained from our regional and international partners, and our active role in supporting the development of all components of civil aviation, ensuring the enhancement of sustainable growth, security and safety worldwide.”

Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Al Qasimi, head of the Civil Aviation Department-Sharjah, a member of the authority’s board of directors, said: “This victory reflects the vision of the rational leadership of the UAE and strategic planning that makes the UAE civil aviation sector a role model in the region and the world. Continuous investment in national cadres and advanced infrastructure contributed to strengthening the state’s status at the international level. The victory also represents the great confidence of the member states in the ECAO in the role of the Emirates influencing the enhancement of regional cooperation The international, and its contribution to the development of civil aviation policies that guarantee safety, sustainability and technical progress of the sector. “

Sheikh Eng. Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, head of the Civil Aviation Department – Ras Al -Khaimah, a member of the Authority’s Board of Directors, said: “The continuous victory of the UAE in the membership of the ICAO Council confirms the international community’s appreciation for its role in supporting the safety and efficiency of the global civil aviation system, and the state’s continuous investment in developing national cadres and modern infrastructure for air transport is highlighted.” It also reflects the international appreciation of the vital role that the UAE plays, its efforts and continuous initiatives supporting the growth and development of the future of civil aviation.

Mohamed Abdullah Al -Salami, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department, Fujairah and Vice -Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, congratulated the rational leadership, the board of directors and all workers in the civil aviation sector in the country on this distinguished achievement that reflects the growing position of the United Arab Emirates as a diplomatic and strategic partner capable of contributing the active in the organization’s committees and initiatives to enhance safety, sustainability and development in the global air transport system, and praised the representation of the Emirates Efficiently and professionally.

He added, that the UAE’s victory is not just an electoral result, but rather a true translation of the confidence of the international and regional community in the state’s vision and rational policies in developing the civil aviation sector, and implementing initiatives that serve the interests of future generations

For his part, Saif Muhammad Al -Suwaidi stressed that the UAE’s victory for the seventh time in a row is an achievement that we are all proud of, which reflects its established position and the confidence of the international aviation community in it, which came thanks to the directives of our wise government, saying: “The UAE has been keen since joining the ICAO Council in 2007 to be an influential and reliable voice in the discussions and strategic decisions of the sector. The state has contributed to offering qualitative initiatives And innovative ideas that contributed to enhancing the efficiency and safety of the global aviation system, including the international program for civil aviation leaders, the artificial intelligence laboratory in aviation, and the International Capacity Cooperation Program. This victory confirms that the UAE is not just a member of the council, but rather a strategic partner in formulating the future of international civil aviation.

This continuous achievement reflects the pioneering position of the Emirati aviation sector, which contributes directly and indirectly to approximately 18% of the state’s GDP, and also provides about a million jobs, and links the country with more than 304 international airports around the world. This enhances the pivotal role of the Emirates in the international air transport system.

In addition, during the work of the organization’s general assembly, the UAE presented a large group of working papers in all technical, executive, economic, administrative, legal and environmental sectors, which are contributions that are characterized by their effectiveness through offering a number of ideas and initiatives that will contribute greatly to enhancing the sector’s growth and finding solutions to the challenges that may face its growth and sustainability.