Abu Dhabi is seeing rising demand for private aviation as its role as a regional business and investment hub grows, according to new data from XO, a private aviation digital marketplace.

Abu Dhabi-origin flight requests increased 59.5% year-on-year, while flights rose 140% in the 12 months to August 31, 2026.

Demand on the Abu Dhabi-Riyadh route rose 450%, highlighting increased movement between two major GCC business and investment centres.

XO said the figures reflect a broader shift toward greater economic integration across multiple cities and markets in the region.

Youssef Mouallem, Chief Business Officer at Vista, said: “Businesses are building relationships, investments and operations across multiple economic centres rather than treating each market in isolation. The important change is not simply where customers are travelling, but how quickly they need to make those journeys as business priorities shift.”

XO said private aviation demand is also changing, with a growing number of younger first-time flyers joining established customers such as business owners and high-net-worth individuals.

Previously reported Vista data showed an increase in first-time flyers under 45, reflecting the needs of entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders operating across several countries.

The platform said its digital, on-demand model allows customers to arrange flights according to changing schedules and business requirements.

Across the GCC, bookings made within seven days of departure increased 13.8%, while median booking lead time fell 23.9%, indicating that more customers are arranging flights closer to departure.

“Customers want to save time, retain flexibility and avoid unnecessary complexity. The way they book may be changing, but those priorities remain consistent,” said Mouallem.

The growth comes as Abu Dhabi continues to position connectivity and mobility as part of its wider economic development strategy.

Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 provides a long-term framework for economic diversification, while Abu Dhabi Mobility focuses on mobility as an enabler of economic growth and connectivity.

XO said the rise in private aviation activity offers an indication of how businesses and individuals are adapting to an increasingly interconnected GCC economy, where companies operate across multiple markets and require faster access between commercial centres.

“The GCC is developing as an interconnected economic network, with each market playing a distinct role. For companies operating across several markets, flexible travel helps connect people, investment and opportunity as business needs change,” Mouallem said.

“For a city such as Abu Dhabi, connectivity is increasingly part of the wider proposition – not just how people move, but how they access markets, investment and opportunity. Efficient links to regional and international markets support the movement of investment, expertise and decision-makers.” -TradeArabia News Service