His Majesty Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has stated that the Emirates Group proactively contributes to Dubai's economic success and is essential to the city-future state's economic prosperity.

Sheikh Mohammed went on to explain that he is sure that the Group will continue to play a world-leading role in defining the future of global aviation, while also advancing the UAE's vision and objectives.

Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged in his speech to the Emirates Group 2020/2021, “The COVID-19 pandemic portrayed one of the biggest challenges faced by mankind all across history and triggered an unparalleled state of chaos all through the world and across all levels, but that was a reason of reaching an unthinkable degree of flexibility in dealing with the aftermath.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has been among the most significant problems in human history. Even though it has created unparalleled upheavals in our lives, this has inspired amazing resilience throughout the world. The UAE's struggle against the epidemic has been a narrative of strength, fortitude, and perseverance.

“We were put to the test in terms of our capacity to handle this unexpected scenario, but we came out stronger. The UAE has shown to be among the most equipped countries to fight this epidemic in many ways.

“Not only have we efficiently protected citizens' and residents' health and well-being, but we've also survived the economic consequences of the crisis. The investments we did over the previous several decades to build a world-class infrastructure, courtesy to our founding fathers' vision, along with our strong organizations and public services, have empowered us to meet the COVID-19 challenge,” he continued.

“What's been truly amazing is the manner all stakeholders in our society and economy have banded together to organize the energies and resources essential to battle the pandemic,” Sheikh Mohammed continued. One example of this spirit of solidarity is the public and private sectors working together to make a robust healthcare solution.

“Following this attitude, the Dubai government has prioritized extending assistance measures to companies to guarantee that the pandemic's short-term impact does not transform into long-term difficulties. Going forth, we are dedicated to assisting all areas in regaining a firm foundation.

“Amid the epidemic, our attitude to problem-solving has been distinguished by teamwork, humanitarian principles, and swift action. The reaction of Dubai's aviation and logistics sector professionals to the disruption created by COVID-19 is an important indication of our country's capacity to rise to the occasion in these trying times. Working together, they were fast to leverage their worldwide skills not just to enable the speedy delivery of vaccinations in the country, but also to provide relief and humanitarian supplies to poor countries,” he said.

In terms of the aviation industry, Sheikh Mohammed stated, "Aviation is absolutely important to Dubai's ambition of becoming a crucial economic hub for the world." The Emirates Group proactively contributes to Dubai's economic progress and is critical to the city-future state's economic prosperity. I am certain that the Group will carry on playing a worldwide leadership role in defining the future of global aviation, even while advancing the UAE's vision and aspirations.”

Sheikh Mohammed stated, "The UAE will celebrate 50 years of independence in December 2021." The UAE's rise has been genuinely remarkable, from a small regional trading post to a country that dispatched the Arab world's first space mission to Mars. I am looking forward to our country attaining more success and advancing our development along the ambitious pathway charted by our founding fathers. Their ambition to propel human progress and make the world a better place for generations to come continues to motivate us.”

The Emirates Group reported a deficit of Dhs22.1 billion ($6.0 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, in its 2020-21 Annual Report, compared to a profit of Dhs1.7 billion ($456 million) the previous year. The Group's sales were Dhs35.6 billion ($9.7 billion), a 66% decrease from the previous year. The Group's cash position was Dhs19.8 billion ($5.4 billion), a 23% decrease from the previous year, owing to weak demand induced by pandemic-related business and travel limitations in all the Group's key business divisions and marketplaces.

“The COVID-19 epidemic continues to exact a huge toll on human lives, communities, economies, and the aviation and tourism industry,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. Emirates and dnata were badly impacted by a decrease in demand for international air travel in 2020-21 as nations closed their borders and implemented severe travel restrictions.