Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Honored with Dubai-it Award for Pioneering Aviation Transformation

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the esteemed Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline, has been recognized with the prestigious Dubai-it Award for his pivotal role in transforming the aviation sector. This accolade also celebrates his significant contributions to elevating the global standing of Dubai's two major airlines.

The announcement was made on X by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. He stated that the award acknowledges Sheikh Ahmed's instrumental work in establishing Dubai as a premier global aviation hub. Sheikh Hamdan remarked on X, "From a sandy runway and two leased aircraft to a global aviation hub, Dubai’s remarkable journey captures the true spirit of Dubai-it and reflects the exceptional leadership of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed and his team."

Over the past four decades, Sheikh Ahmed has been at the forefront of Dubai's significant economic development, driving the successful expansion of its aviation industry. His leadership has solidified the emirate's position as a vital global center for international travel and connectivity.

Sheikh Ahmed's distinguished aviation career commenced in 1985 when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, the regulatory body overseeing Dubai International Airport and Dubai Duty Free. In the same year, Emirates, Dubai's international airline, was launched with Sheikh Ahmed serving as its Chairman. He currently holds the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, which encompasses dnata, a leading global provider of air and travel services, along with other aviation-related enterprises.

The impressive expansion of Emirates and flydubai, coupled with the continuous growth of Dubai International Airport, underscores the visionary strategy that has propelled the sector's success. Emirates, an award-winning and globally recognized airline brand, has seen its fleet grow nearly 139-fold and its destination network expand 76-fold. Concurrently, flydubai has experienced rapid growth, significantly enhancing Dubai's connectivity and broadening travel opportunities across an extensive network of destinations.

Dubai International Airport has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming a record 95.2 million passengers in a single year, setting a world record for international passenger traffic. Dubai Duty Free stands as one of the world's largest single airport retail operations, reporting annual sales of $2.378 billion in 2025.

In related news, Fix Dessert, the homegrown business behind the popular Dubai chocolate confectionery, received the Dubai-it prize in the business projects category on Saturday. Led by husband-and-wife team Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani, Fix Dessert achieved global recognition in 2024 with its 'Can’t Get Knafeh of It' bar, a unique treat featuring pistachio, knafeh, and tahini. Sheikh Hamdan noted on X, "Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani transformed a home-based business in Dubai into a global success." He added that sales of Dubai-style chocolate surged by 1,234 percent in one year, with these products now sold globally and at over 100 airports.

The Dubai-it prize was unveiled in June by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the Dubai-it strategy. This initiative aims to foster a culture of excellence among companies, institutions, and future generations in the emirate, serving as a launchpad for future achievements and ensuring high ambitions are set. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated that Dubai's accomplishments are built on achieving exceptional results with precision and excellence in record time. The award itself celebrates innovation, enterprise, and expertise across the city's individuals and businesses. Earlier this month, SWS Board Technology, a Dubai-based manufacturer producing nearly half of the world's kiteboards and wakeboards, secured the award in the economy category.