AVIATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 
GCAA plays a significant role to ensure the availability and accessibility of air transport to the trade and public. Despite the ever fluctuating fuel prices, our liberal policies, regulations and infrastructure quality have helped us to maintain the air transportation at affordable levels. Among other things, UAE’s Open Skies policy has demonstrated the effects that a change in the competition regime has on prices. According to a study carried out by the World Bank, an improvement in airport infrastructure from the 25th to 75th percentiles reduces air transport costs by 15%. A similar improvement in the quality of regulation reduces air transport costs by 14%. Open Skies Agreements further reduce air transport costs by 8%. We are well supported by our strategic partners including national airports and the carriers in our commitment to promote liberalization. Slowly but gradually our efforts are bearing fruit but we recognize the seriousness of protectionist challenges, be it disguised as restrictive legislation or outright renege on Bilateral Agreements. We strive to facilitate the expansion of air transport opportunities, making it possible for airlines to offer the traveling public and business community world-class service options at the lowest possible prices.
Safety and Security is an integral component of quality in the aviation industry. Despite the exponential growth of the sector, GCAA has maintained its focus on its regulatory responsibilities in such a way that supports the growth of the organization without a compromise on safety and security standards. We are well on our way to the establishment of a mature State Safety Program while slowly but assuredly putting all of its components in place. Safety Performance Measurements have been agreed with various segments of the industry. Our safety promotional plans are addressing the needs of the industry. The results of stakeholder surveys have indicated that our efforts in these areas are well received and appreciated. In the last quarter of 2014, GCAA Strategy & Performance Department undertook various studies including PESTL, SWOT and Stakeholder analysis and internal consultations.
Safety and Security is an integral component of quality in the aviation industry. Despite the exponential growth of the sector, GCAA has maintained its focus on its regulatory responsibilities in such a way that supports the growth of the organization without a compromise on safety and security standards. We are well on our way to the establishment of a mature State Safety Program while slowly but assuredly putting all of its components in place. Safety Performance Measurements have been agreed with various segments of the industry. Our safety promotional plans are addressing the needs of the industry. The results of stakeholder surveys have indicated that our efforts in these areas are well received and appreciated. In the last quarter of 2014, GCAA Strategy & Performance Department undertook various studies including PESTL, SWOT and Stakeholder analysis and internal consultations.
In its 2012 - 2013 Global Competitiveness Report (GCR), UAE was ranked at Number 3 in the Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure index by the World Economic Forum. As instructed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, His Excellency Sultan Al Mansoori the Chairman of GCAA assigned GCAA, the target of taking the UAE to number 1 position by 2021. We, at GCAA have developed and implemented a plan which has already begun to show results. The 2013-14 GCR has seen UAE jump to number 2 positions. Our resolve is strengthened by the commitment of our leadership in the development of infrastructure, driven by the belief that improvements in infrastructure lead to cost reductions in the transportation that ultimately enable the economic development of the state.
