Sheikh Ahmed holds a number of important government positions, including as Second Vice Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, which is responsible for formulating policies and strategies for the Emirate of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee, member of the Board of the Dubai Council for Economic Affairs, Chairman of Economic Development Committee and Board Member of the Dubai Corporation for Government Investment.
Sheikh Ahmed has been a highly successful corporate leader since 1985, when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the newly-launched Emirates Airline. The phenomenal growth of Dubai’s aviation industry under his stewardship is testimony to Sheikh Ahmed’s grand vision and foresight. He is now the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, which includes Dnata – the region’s leading travel services and ground handling company, and other aviation related entities.
The Dubai World Central airport complex, opened in 2010, is an integral element of Sheikh Ahmed’s vision for the future of aviation in Dubai, along with the Dubai Logistics Corridor, which links the new airport to Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone. Together they will create one of the most sophisticated multi-modal supply chain transit facilities in the world.
Holder of a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Denver, Colorado, USA, Sheikh Ahmed has received many international honours, including the fellowship of the British Royal Aeronautical Society, Commandeur de l’Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur (the Legion of Honour) – the highest French civilian award, and the Verfassungsportugaleser, one of Germany’s highest honours.