UAE Dominates Boeing's Middle East Order Backlog
The UAE accounts for around 57% of Boeing's aircraft order backlog in the Middle East, solidifying its position as one of the US planemaker's most important global markets.
According to Boeing's latest 2026 data, the UAE has more than 530 aircraft on order out of 938 outstanding orders across the region.
The country's airlines continue to expand their fleets, with Emirates remaining the world's largest customer for Boeing's 777X programme, having ordered 270 aircraft. Etihad Airways also has a significant number of orders, including 81 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 15 Boeing 777X aircraft.
The UAE is not only a major market for Boeing but also a growing hub for the aviation industry as a whole, with more than 30 years of experience in journalism, Gulf News' Chief News Editor Khitam has observed the country's rapid growth in this sector.