UAE high-level delegation participates in ICAO's general assembly

The UAE, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), is participating in the meetings of the 38th session of the General Assembly of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which will be held between 24th September and 5th October. The UAE's high level delegation, chaired by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of GCAA, includes Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Director-General, GCAA, Ismail Alblooshi, Executive Director of Aviation Safety Affairs, Hamad Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Aviation Security Affairs, Ahmed Al Jallaf, Executive Director of Air Navigating Services Sector, and Laila Ali Hareb Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Strategy and International Affairs, as well as Cpt. Aysha Al Hamili, UAE permanent representative to ICAO. High level officials from local entities and stakeholders will also be present. At the opening of a press conference held for the occasion, Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Director-General, GCAA, delivered a speech indicating that since 1972, the UAE has been extremely proud to be part of ICAO and has contributed to vital issues on safety, aviation security and environmental protection of international civil aviation. "It is a fact that the growth of the UAE's aviation industry over recent years has been without precedent. UAE continues to generate annual passenger growth figures in the 7 percent range for air traffic movements, among the highest in the world and contrasting dramatically with the market contractions being experienced in many other global regions" Al Suwaidi said. The theme and the logo of the UAE's participation, "Building the Future of Aviation Together", was unveiled during the press conference. This theme also serves for the UAE's election campaign to win a seat in the ICAO council for the 3rd consecutive time. At the end of his speech, Mr. Al Suwaidi noted, "Just as the UAE has benefited greatly from the authority and expertise of ICAO, it is now committed to the closest cooperation with this vital organisation. The UAE seeks, by its active participation in ICAO activities and through substantial contributions to the Organisation's work programmes, to share the lessons it has learned and the expertise it has gained". The UAE's delegation will also participate in meetings of various technical committees, the most prominent committees of the General Assembly dealing with safety and security in civil aviation, as well as other specialised committees, such as the economic and legal committees. Laila Ali Hareb Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Strategy and International Affairs, said that during the conference the UAE will host a reception on September 28th for the participating delegations. At the reception, Mr. Al Mansouri will deliver a speech on the UAE's prominent role in the civil aviation sector around the world, its efforts in relation to security, safety and environment, the regional and international infrastructure, the increasing growth in the number of passengers, air movements and airlines. The reception will celebrate UAE heritage and culture on the international level and will present UAE folklore as well as futuristic trends in international civil aviation.