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Revenue : US $ 32.62 billion Employees : 102,379 Group Chairman : Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Founded : 1985

As the biggest player in the UAE ’ s aviation sector , Emirates Group generates more than US $ 47 billion to GDP .

While most known for its award-winning airline , the state-owned Dubai-based holding company has multiple businesses across air services , education , retail , travel and hospitality . Among these , the Group operates a global logistics capability operating from the world ’ s largest air logistics hub in Dubai , the world ’ s largest hydroponic farm ( Bustanica ), and is currently building the largest pilot training academy in the world .

Last month , the Group recorded its best-ever sixmonth financial result with US $ 2.7 billion in profit , surpassing last year ’ s record half-year profit by 138 %.

In the short space of 35 years , Emirates has grown into the world ’ s largest international airline flying to 158 destinations in 85 countries . The airline operates 269 aircraft and is the world ’ s largest operator of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 family of aircraft .

Emirates recently delivered the biggest single commitment by an airline on sustainability , committing to investing US $ 200m over three years on projects that reduce the impact of fossil fuels in aviation . And earlier this year , the airline completed the first 100 % SAF-powered demonstration flight and more recently launched its first flight powered by a SAF blend provided by Shell Aviation .

Emirates also launched a mammoth recruitment drive this year , as it looks to expand its network and add capacity with the delivery of new Airbus A350s starting in mid-2024 . businesschief . ae 43