UAE Earns Near-Perfect Score for Aviation Safety

The UAE has cemented its position as one of the world’s safest aviation hubs after achieving a 98.86% score in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme. The result, released by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, places the country among the top performers globally and reflects years of investment in regulatory systems, technology, and skilled personnel.

According to the GCAA, this achievement stems from a combination of rigorous oversight, the National Aviation Safety Plan (2023–2026), and alignment with ICAO’s Global Safety Plan. The framework focuses on reducing operational risks, strengthening inspections, and cultivating a robust safety culture across the sector. In 2024 alone, the authority conducted over 900 safety oversight activities, including inspections, licensing checks, and infrastructure reviews.

Technology has been a key enabler. The GCAA has rolled out an AI-driven, risk-based oversight platform featuring real-time dashboards, automated audit prioritization, and operator self-assessment portals to enhance regulatory efficiency. Other initiatives include the Voluntary Reporting System to encourage proactive hazard reporting and a communicable disease control protocol developed with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, recognized by ICAO and the World Health Organization.

The UAE is also asserting a leadership role on the global stage, hosting major ICAO events such as the Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels and the upcoming Global Implementation Support Symposium in 2025. The GCAA emphasizes that safety is not just a regulatory requirement but the foundation of the aviation sector, protecting lives, ensuring operational continuity, and building passenger trust.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationbusinessme.com