The latest results of IATA/ACI's AETRA Survey recognises Dubai International Airport Best in the Middle East/Africa

The IATA Global Airport Monitor is an annual report containing the most comprehensive source of international airport service benchmarking information available. The latest report for the year 2004 analyses the perceptions of over 80,000 passengers across 52 major international airports from Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Dubai International Airport has secured "Best in the Middle East/Africa" position for Overall Passenger Satisfaction. Dubai International Airport has achieved this distinction for the third time. Based on the results of the IATA Global Airport Monitor, the Airport Service Excellence Awards will be presented at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in June this year.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, commented: "We have always stressed upon providing the best of service and facilities to all our customers. To be recognized asuch by our passengers is the best indication of our sincere efforts. This recognition has been possible due to the efforts of all the staff working at Dubai International Airport. Now it is important for us to continue maintaining our standards and look ahead to the future."

Mr Jamal Al Hai, Director Strategy and Management Excellence commented: "It is a matter of great pleasure to receive this prestigious award. On behalf of the Department of Civil Aviation and Dubai International Airport, I would like to say thank you to all those who voted for us. We work very hard to provide a very high standard of service and facility to all our customers. We are able to achieve these high standards through a very innovative program called "Dubai Airport Cares".

Last year, close to 22 million passengers passed through Dubai and this is expected to reach 25 million this year. According to projections, which has been revised recently on the basis of reports produced by Emirates airline and Dubai government agencies, Dubai is expected to have 60 million passengers by 2010.