Dubai International Airport, in a very short span of time, has grown from an airfield into an aviation hub. The development is the result of the far sighted visions of the late ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.Today, not only is it one of the fastest growing airports in the world, it is also recognised as the aviation hub of the Middle East. It now stands at the threshold of being among the top 10 airports in the world.“We strive to become and remain the leading Civil Aviation Authority in the world, and recognised as such by our customers, staff, other Civil Aviation Authorities, national and international regulatory authorities, the Dubai Government and the UAE community.” From 9 airlines serving some 20 destinations in 1969, Dubai International Airport has grown to accommodate 107 airlines connecting to over 160 destinations in 2004. Today, not only is it one of the fastest growing airports in the world, it is also recognised as the aviation hub of the Middle East. It now stands at the threshold of being among the top 10 airports in the world.