Sheikh Ahmed launches book on Dubai's civil aviation

Sheikh Ahmed, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airlines and Group, was the guest of honour at a special launch for the Arabic version of the book, Civil Aviation in Dubai - History and Future (1937-2020), which highlights the growth of the civil aviation industry since the late 1930s and the growth of Dubai International Airport which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
The 645-page book, authored by Ghassan Suleiman Amhaz, Media Relations Manager (Arabic) of Dubai Airports, is the first of kind of book in Arabic on the aviation sector and about the transformation of Dubai's tiny airport into a successful, ever-expanding global aviation hub.
The hardbound tome is divided into 26 chapters, with eight chapters dedicated to the events and developments leading up to the use of Dubai Creek for the BOAC services in late ‘30s and the correspondences between the Ruler of Dubai and British authorities, BOAC, IAL and BP. The concluding chapter is about the expansion and expectations of the Dubai's aviation industry until the year 2020.
The launch ceremony at the Meydan Hotel on Wednesday was attended by key officials and decision-makers of aviation sector in Dubai in addition to top-ranking representatives of various government organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, H.H Sheikh Ahmed said the book traces the history and evolution of civil aviation sector and how Dubai was working towards developing this crucial industry in the near future.
The massive expansion of civil aviation sector and achievements over the past five decades is the outcome of the one vision followed by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who way back in early ‘60s, realised the importance of aviation sector to the economy, and H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who strongly pursued this vision, turning challenges into more opportunities for a better future.
He said the vision and the commitment of the two great leaders have helped Dubai find a reputable position on the world map as an aviation, tourism and business hub in a relatively short span of time. The book, he said, is very rich in history and authentic information and offers a great reading to all the Arabic speakers interested in Dubai and its vibrant aviation sector.
"It took more than five years for me researching the archives, reading relevant books and official correspondences and interviewing more than 50 key government officials, businessmen and historians to come out with a book which is the best reference tool for all those interested in aviation industry," the author remarked.
He said the book traced the origins and expansion of Dubai Airport, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Airlines, Flydubai, Cargo Village, DAFZA and Dubai World Central.
He has a word of praise for H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unfaltering commitment to aviation industry and for taking bold decisions that converted Dubai into a global aviation hub in a very short span of time.
The book will go on sale in select book stores and libraries soon. The English edition of the book is planned to be released later this year.