SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

H is Highness Sheikh Ahmed stands as an emblem of visionary leadership in the aviation industry, commencing his illustrious journey in 1985 as the President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), overseeing Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai Duty Free. Concurrently, in the same year, Emirates - Dubai’s international airline - was launched under His Highness Sheikh Ahmed’s chairmanship. Today, he serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, a conglomerate that encompasses dnata, one of the world’s premier providers of air services and travel. Emirates, a globally recognized airline brand, has achieved profitability for over three decades under His Highness Sheikh Ahmed’s leadership. Meanwhile, dnata offers ground handling, cargo, catering, and retail services across six continents, handling over 527,000 aircraft turns and moving 3 million tons of cargo in the financial year 2021-22. Dubai Duty Free, under his guidance, has become one of the largest single airport retail operations in the world, with annual sales reaching US$1.74 billion in 2022. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed’s strategic vision extends beyond aviation, encompassing pivotal roles in governmental positions and Dubai’s finance and energy sectors. As Chancellor of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, he underscores his commitment to education and societal advancement. Amidst a plethora of accolades and honours, including the prestigious Honorary Sash of Mohammed Bin Rashid, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed’s legacy resonates as a beacon of excellence and innovation. His unwavering dedication continues to shape the trajectory of regional aviation and elevate Dubai’s global prominence, embodying the essence of visionary leadership in the modern era. Simply Abu Dhabi | 223