Which authority is responsible for civil aviation affairs in the UAE?

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is the primary regulatory body overseeing civil aviation affairs in the UAE. It was established to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. The GCAA is responsible for formulating and implementing aviation policies, as well as overseeing the compliance of aviation regulations in line with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In its role, the GCAA manages everything from licensing airlines and pilots to regulating air traffic operations and maintaining aviation safety standards. This comprehensive oversight ensures that the aviation sector operates smoothly, which is vital given the UAE's status as a major global aviation hub.

The Ministry of Transportation coordinates various transportation sectors but does not specifically handle civil aviation affairs to the extent that the GCAA does. The Federal Aviation Administration is the U.S. aviation authority, making it irrelevant in the context of UAE civil aviation. The Aviation Safety Council, while involved in safety matters, does not have the overarching regulatory authority that the GCAA possesses. Hence, the GCAA is the correct answer as it embodies the central authority for civil aviation in the UAE.