Dubai South Records 15% Growth in Business Aviation Movements in H1 2025
Dubai South has reinforced its position as a global hub for aviation and business travel, recording a significant 15% increase in business aviation movements during the first half of 2025. The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), located at Al Maktoum International Airport, logged 9,753 business aviation movements from January to June 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This surge highlights the region’s growing importance as a preferred destination for high-net-worth individuals, investors, and private aviation firms.
MBRAH: A Strategic Aerospace Location
The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub serves as a cornerstone for Dubai’s aviation sector. Positioned within Dubai South, MBRAH provides unmatched connectivity for global aerospace companies. Its free-zone model offers dedicated facilities for private jet operators, aircraft maintenance providers, and training centers, making it a comprehensive ecosystem for aviation services.
Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, emphasized that the increase in business aviation traffic aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to become a global magnet for elite travelers, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations. He noted that MBRAH’s world-class infrastructure will continue to play a vital role in meeting future demand.
Business Aviation and Economic Growth
The robust growth in business aviation is directly linked to Dubai’s expanding economy, investor-friendly climate, and its strategic positioning as a gateway between East and West. The aviation sector not only enhances Dubai’s status as a global city but also stimulates demand in parallel industries, including real estate, tourism, and luxury services. Prime residential hubs such as Downtown Dubai and Business Bay continue to benefit from this influx of high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders who value proximity to world-class aviation infrastructure.
Developer Impact and Opportunities
Top developers are seizing opportunities around aviation-linked districts, reinforcing investor confidence. Communities developed by Emaar, Damac, and Sobha Realty are strategically positioned to attract buyers seeking both lifestyle and business advantages. With aviation fueling connectivity, real estate offerings near Dubai South and surrounding areas are becoming increasingly attractive to both regional and global investors.
Why This Growth Matters
- High-net-worth attraction: Increased private aviation flows bring more affluent individuals to Dubai’s luxury real estate and hospitality sectors.
- Infrastructure confidence: MBRAH’s ability to scale reflects Dubai’s long-term planning and investor confidence in the city’s aviation future.
- Real estate synergies: Districts like Dubai South are emerging as investment hotspots thanks to their proximity to aviation and logistics hubs.
Conclusion
With a 15% rise in business aviation movements, Dubai South and MBRAH underscore Dubai’s strategy to be a global hub for private aviation and high-net-worth investment. The synergy between aviation growth and real estate development continues to drive value for investors, developers, and residents alike. As aviation activity scales further, surrounding communities and premium projects by leading developers such as Emaar, Damac, and Sobha Realty are set to benefit from increased global connectivity and investor appeal.
