The luxury skies over Dubai are getting busier. Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South recorded a 15% jump in private jet movements in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. With 9,000 flights already logged and expectations to surpass 18,000 by year’s end, the numbers reflect Dubai’s growing magnetism for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, global investors, and business elites.
It’s 7:45 AM and the tarmac at Al Maktoum International Airport glows golden in the morning sun. A sleek Gulfstream G700 hums quietly as it taxis toward a hangar bearing the MBRAH insignia. Inside the VIP lounge, a concierge arranges a crystal glass of fresh juice for a client who just landed from Geneva. This is not just travel – it’s choreography in the sky.
Welcome to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), Dubai’s fast-expanding haven for private aviation. And the numbers are taking off. In the first six months of 2025 alone, MBRAH registered nearly 9,000 private jet movements – a remarkable 15% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The hub is on track to exceed 18,000 movements by the end of the year, setting a new benchmark for regional and international business aviation.
"We’re witnessing a strong comeback in private travel, driven by Dubai’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and its appeal to high-net-worth individuals," says Tahnoon Saif, CEO of MBRAH. “Our ecosystem is designed to deliver seamless luxury, from hangar to hotel.”
The MBRAH has positioned itself as a global gateway for private aviation, hosting industry giants such as Jetex, DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, ExecuJet, and Falcon Aviation. These companies are not only investing in cutting-edge hangars and maintenance facilities, but also in VIP terminals that feel more like five-star resorts than airports.
Several forces are fueling the trend:
“It’s not just about getting from A to B anymore,” says a flight operations manager at ExecuJet. “It’s about the experience, the privacy, the time saved – and Dubai delivers all of that.”
With the aviation boom comes a ripple effect in the local property market. High-frequency flyers are increasingly looking to invest in second homes or luxury apartments near Dubai South. Developers are responding with high-end residential projects that cater to the jet-set lifestyle – think penthouses with helipads, private concierge services, and proximity to elite golf courses.
Moreover, MBRAH itself is part of a larger ecosystem that includes an aerospace supply chain, MRO facilities, and free zone benefits for aviation-related businesses. This makes it not just a travel hub, but an opportunity-rich investment zone for global players in aerospace, logistics, and real estate.
As the sun sets over the Dubai desert, another jet lifts off, bound for London. Inside, a CEO reviews a presentation while sipping espresso from fine china. Down below, the MBRAH prepares for its next arrival. The private skies are not just busy – they’re booming.
