May 7: The Emirates Group announced record-breaking financial results for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2026, reporting its highest-ever profit, revenue, and cash asset levels despite operational disruptions in the final month of the financial year.
The Group reported a record profit before tax of AED 24.4 billion (US$ 6.6 billion), marking a 7% year-on-year increase, while revenue rose 3% to AED 150.5 billion (US$ 41.0 billion). The Group’s cash assets also reached a record AED 59.6 billion (US$ 16.2 billion), up 12% compared to the previous year.
Emirates retained its position as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting a record profit before tax of AED 22.8 billion (US$ 6.2 billion), a 7% increase over the previous year, alongside record revenue of AED 130.9 billion (US$ 35.7 billion). The airline’s cash assets rose 10% year-on-year to AED 54.9 billion (US$ 15.0 billion).
dnata also delivered strong performance across its global operations, posting a record profit before tax of AED 1.6 billion (US$ 437 million), up 2%, while revenue increased 12% to AED 23.6 billion (US$ 6.4 billion). dnata’s cash assets grew by 28% to AED 4.7 billion (US$ 1.3 billion).
The Group declared a dividend of AED 3.5 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) to the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD).
Following the implementation of Pillar Two tax rules in the UAE, the Emirates Group’s corporate tax rate increased from 9% to 15% during the year. After tax, the Group reported a profit of AED 21.0 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), up 3% compared to FY2024-25.
Commenting on the results, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said,
“These outstanding results reaffirm the strength and resilience of the Emirates Group’s business model, rooted in safety, excellence, innovation, people, and partnerships.”
He added that strong customer demand and sustained investments in products, people, technology, and brand drove the Group’s performance during most of the financial year, despite disruptions caused by military activity in the Gulf region beginning in late February.
The Group invested AED 17.9 billion (US$ 4.9 billion) in aircraft, infrastructure, equipment, and technology during the year to support long-term growth plans.
Emirates Group’s workforce grew by 8% to 130,919 employees globally, while its UAE national workforce surpassed 4,000 employees, reflecting continued investment in local talent development.
Looking ahead to FY2026-27, the Group said it remains focused on strengthening operations, continuing aircraft deliveries and retrofit programmes, and maintaining investments in customer experience and infrastructure. Emirates also confirmed that its fuel requirements are well hedged through 2028-29, supporting operational stability amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
The Group stated that its strong cash reserves and diversified business portfolio position it well to navigate evolving market conditions while continuing to deliver industry-leading products and services.
