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The UAE’s Permanent Representative to ICAO elected as First Vice-President of ICAO Council during the first meeting of the council’s 236th session held in Montreal, the Emirates News Agency reported on October 21, 2025. Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi assumed the position after the UAE secured its seventh consecutive term on the ICAO Council the previous month. This achievement reflects the nation’s established standing in international civil aviation matters that dates back to its initial election in 2007.
According to assessments of the assembly, elections for the ICAO Council took place from September 23 to October 3, 2025, in Montreal, Canada. The 36-member council serves as the governing body responsible for adopting standards and recommended practices for global air navigation. Al Suwaidi’s election to the vice presidency further cements the UAE’s role in influencing these critical decisions that affect aviation worldwide.
The First Vice-President of the ICAO Council supports the President and chairs sessions in his absence while contributing to strategic directions on aviation safety and sustainability. A specialized United Nations agency, ICAO works with 193 member states to promote safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation. The UAE has maintained an active presence on the council through consistent engagement in assemblies and technical committees.
IATA data from April 2025 places the total economic impact of aviation in the UAE at $92 billion, equivalent to 18.2 percent of GDP, while the sector sustains close to 992,000 jobs. Dubai International Airport recorded 95.2 million passengers in 2025 with a 3.1 percent increase year on year, according to airport operators. These figures illustrate the scale of the industry that benefits from strong global regulatory engagement.
Forecasts for 2026 anticipate UAE airports handling 135 million passengers, a four percent increase from 2025 levels, an ADAT analysis found. The country’s major hubs maintain connections to more than 200 destinations worldwide through leading carriers. Such connectivity positions the UAE as a vital link in international trade and tourism networks that rely on efficient air transport frameworks.
Al Suwaidi previously served on the Edward Warner Award Committee following his selection in March 2025, Aviation Week reported. His extensive experience includes representing the UAE in numerous ICAO assemblies and committees over more than a decade. The election outcome aligns with the country’s broader strategy to enhance its contributions to global aviation governance and standards development.
