Engineer Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the Vice President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council and the permanent representative of the UAE to the organization, emphasized the pivotal role the country plays in shaping the future of global civil aviation. The UAE has transitioned from being a “global air traffic hub” to becoming a “key decision-making driver” within ICAO by proposing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the air transport industry.
In an interview, he highlighted that the UAE’s proactive presence and leadership position within the organization are the results of a long-standing commitment to investing in infrastructure, digital transformation, and the establishment of advanced regulatory frameworks, which have elevated its significance within this major international aviation body.
Al Suwaidi stated that the UAE’s election to global aviation decision-making positions marks a shift in its experience from a successful operational model to an international reference point contributing to the shaping of future air transport policies and economies. Below is a summary of the interview:
What is the significance of your election as Vice President of the ICAO Council for the UAE’s international image
My election as Vice President of ICAO primarily recognizes the role and standing of the UAE in the global aviation community rather than being purely a personal accolade. It reflects the confidence that member states have in the UAE and confirms that its experience in developing the aviation sector serves as a model for shaping international policies.
This position reinforces the image of the UAE as an initiative-driven and responsible nation actively involved in shaping the future of civil aviation rather than merely benefiting from it. It aligns with our leadership’s vision of making the UAE a key partner in international organizations, contributing to solutions for global challenges in aviation, and supporting developing countries in enhancing their capacities to build safe and sustainable aviation systems.
In this regard, this election represents a dual responsibility: to represent the ICAO Council with balance and neutrality, and to embody the image of the UAE that focuses on collaboration and building bridges between different countries and regions.
What are the key issues that the UAE aims to advance through your new position
Through this position, the UAE is committed to supporting several key issues, including: enhancing aviation safety and security, encouraging digital transformation in regulatory systems, adopting the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies to improve oversight and safety, addressing sustainability and emission reduction, and assisting developing nations in building capacities based on the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
The UAE is also focused on supporting initiatives to tackle future sector challenges such as workforce shortages, managing cross-regional air traffic, and integrating new technologies like drones and advanced air mobility into a globally organized and balanced framework.
The UAE’s current standing within ICAO is the result of decades of consistent effort since joining the organization. The country has become an active council member, present in technical committees, hosting numerous international events and meetings, and is among the nations whose opinions are sought in strategic discussions. It is safe to assert that the UAE has become a vital partner in shaping the future of civil aviation worldwide.
How does the UAE contribute to the formation of international aviation policies, and what are the main achievements of its permanent mission in recent years
The UAE contributes to the formation of international aviation policies through three integrated pathways: firstly, active participation in the ICAO Council and its technical committees by presenting working papers and proposals that address practical issues like safety, air traffic management, digital transformation, and sustainability. Secondly, leading or supporting joint initiatives with other countries to develop new regulatory frameworks that respond to the rapid evolution in the sector. Thirdly, providing technical support and capacity building through programs and partnerships that assist nations in implementing ICAO standards and improving compliance levels.
In recent years, the UAE’s permanent mission to ICAO has achieved several significant milestones, including enhancing the country’s presence in various committees and working groups, contributing to discussions related to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, supporting environmental issues, and protecting the state’s gains within the organization while promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation in aviation.
Noteworthy is the launch of the Global Accelerator Ambassadors Program as a partnership between the UAE government and ICAO, aimed at transferring the “government accelerators” methodology to international organizations and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals.
The mission also supported the initiative “Empowering 193 Women in Aviation,” which focused on promoting inclusivity and capacity building in ICAO regions, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, through specialized training in air transport and safety management, following the success of the DGCA-APAC 2023 cycle that trained many individuals.
Additionally, the UAE successfully hosted major ICAO events such as the International Civil Aviation Conference, the Global Aviation Safety Summit, and the Advanced Air Mobility event, reflecting the international community’s trust in the UAE’s capabilities and its global leadership in civil aviation.
How do you evaluate the UAE’s experience in developing an advanced aviation sector, and what are the success factors that establish it as a global aviation hub
The UAE’s aviation journey is a complete success story that began with a visionary leadership recognizing early on that air connectivity is essential for economic development and global openness. Today, the UAE boasts one of the most advanced aviation systems globally, featuring leading national airlines, world-class airports, advanced air navigation infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that align with best international practices.
Several key factors underpin this success, notably a clear vision and consistent political support from the UAE leadership prioritizing the aviation sector as a strategic focus. Moreover, substantial investments in infrastructure, airports, and supporting services have played crucial roles. The strategically located geographical position has been wisely utilized to bridge the East, West, North, and South.
This success is further augmented by open and competitive policies, exemplified by open skies agreements and attracting global investments and expertise, alongside a focus on building capabilities through training and knowledge transfer for national staff.
How can Arab countries enhance their representation and influence within ICAO? Is there a coordination framework in place
Enhancing Arab representation within ICAO requires organized collective effort based on three fundamental pillars: first, unifying positions as much as possible concerning major issues on the council and assembly agenda to ensure the Arab voice is heard and impactful. Second, building technical capacities in Arab nations to enable their experts to participate actively in committees and working groups, not just in representative roles. Third, supporting Arab competencies to run for leadership positions within the organization, which would strengthen Arab presence in decision-making roles.
In this context, there is an existing coordination mechanism through the Arab group meetings at ICAO and continuous collaboration with the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, where issues are discussed, and opinions are exchanged. Joint support for certain initiatives and candidates is also coordinated. As the current coordinator for the Arab group, I am working to enhance and develop these mechanisms to make coordination more proactive and connected to long-term action plans, effectively achieving the shared objectives of Arab nations within ICAO.
How do you envision the future of civil aviation over the next decade with the advancement of digital transformation and artificial intelligence
In the coming decade, civil aviation is poised to witness profound transformations, primarily marking the shift from traditional management reliant solely on human expertise to a hybrid system integrating both humans and machines, where artificial intelligence plays a key role in supporting decision-making and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Over the next decade, there will be broader utilization of artificial intelligence, particularly in areas like big data analysis for predicting risks before they occur, improving air traffic management, reducing delays, implementing predictive maintenance for aircraft and equipment, and enriching traveler experiences with seamless digital solutions from booking to arrival.
Moreover, the integration of new technologies such as advanced air mobility, autonomous aircraft, sustainable fuels, and low-emission solutions will accelerate. However, the challenge lies in establishing regulatory frameworks that ensure the safety and security of these technologies while maintaining human roles through continuous retraining and skill development. The UAE envisions this digital transformation and reliance on artificial intelligence as being guided by values of safety, responsibility, and sustainability, providing opportunities for developing countries rather than creating a new digital divide.