What It Really Takes to Own a Private Jet in Dubai

In the 10 years I’ve been selling private jets here in Dubai, I’ve learned one thing for sure: every purchase has a story. It’s the story of people seeking speed, security, prestige—or sometimes just the freedom of flying on their own terms. In the UAE, especially Dubai, a private jet isn’t just a means of transport—it’s a statement. But choosing the right aircraft, purchasing it, maintaining it, and even making money from it requires local experience and a deep understanding of this niche market. This is my experience—someone who’s worked with almost every model out there.

Choosing the Right Jet for Your Needs

Many of my clients have no idea what they actually need when they first step into this world. Once, a corporate director came to my office and said, “I just want to fly faster between Dubai and Geneva, no more business class queues.” I recommended the Bombardier Challenger 3500—a fantastic aircraft with a 10-seat capacity and nearly 6,000 km range. It can fly directly from Dubai to London or Geneva, no problem. The price for a brand-new one? Around $26 million.

Another client, more of a family traveler, mostly flew to destinations like the Maldives or Beirut. For him, I recommended something smaller like the Phenom 300E. It’s perfect for 4 to 4.5-hour flights, seats 7 to 9 passengers, and costs around $11 million. The bonus? Lower fuel consumption and great flexibility at smaller airports.

Buying New vs. Pre-Owned – My Personal Take

Buying a new jet is always tempting—you get to customize everything, from seats to the cockpit avionics. For instance, if you’re eyeing a Gulfstream G650ER that can fly nonstop from Dubai to Los Angeles, you’ll need to set aside at least $70–75 million and be prepared to wait one to two years for delivery. I closed such a deal recently for a VIP client based in DIFC who wanted walnut interiors, a queen-size bed, and in-flight high-speed Wi-Fi.

But a brand-new jet isn’t always the smartest choice. Not long ago, we had a Cessna Citation Sovereign+ come in with only 1,200 flight hours on it. For the 2015 model, the price was around $9 to $11 million. It seats 8 to 9 passengers, has a range of about 5,900 km, and cruises at around 830 km/h. That’s more than enough to get you from Dubai to Cairo or even Moscow nonstop. Of course, we always recommend a full pre-buy inspection and handle GCAA registration for our clients.

Storing and Maintaining Your Jet in Dubai

You can’t just park your jet next to your villa! In Dubai, you’ll need to rent hangar space in places like Al Maktoum or Dubai South Aviation City. For mid-size jets like the Challenger or Citation, hangar rental typically costs between AED 35,000 to AED 60,000 per month, depending on services. If you want professionals like ExecuJet or Jet Aviation to handle maintenance and scheduling, expect to pay an additional AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 monthly.

We usually sign CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization) agreements for our clients so that all checks, inspections, and renewals happen automatically. They don’t have to worry about a thing.

The Real Cost of Flying – A Practical Example from Dubai to Beirut

Let me give you a real example. One of my clients owns a Challenger 350 and regularly flies between Dubai and Beirut, a flight that takes roughly 3 hours. His fuel cost per hour is around AED 8,000. When you add wear and tear, maintenance reserves, and ground handling, the operational cost goes up to about AED 11,000 per hour.

So, a round-trip flight from Dubai to Beirut ends up costing between AED 65,000 and AED 75,000. And that’s without accounting for pilot salaries.

Pilots – The Heart of Your Jet, and a Fixed Monthly Cost

For jets like the Challenger or Legacy, you’ll need two professional pilots in Dubai who are type-rated for your specific aircraft. Senior captains typically earn AED 45,000 to AED 60,000 per month, while first officers get between AED 30,000 and AED 45,000. Some of our clients outsource crew management to aircraft management companies and avoid dealing with salaries, insurance, leave, or scheduling. But even then, annual simulator training at CAE Dubai or Qatar costs around AED 25,000 per pilot.

Chartering Your Jet – Turning a Flying Asset into Passive Income

If you’re not keen on letting your jet sit idle and want to turn it into an income-generating asset, chartering is your best bet. We work with top firms like RoyalJet and Luxaviation who list our clients’ aircraft in their fleets and handle bookings.

One of my clients owns a Gulfstream G550 that logs about 25 charter hours a month. With hourly charter rates between AED 22,000 and AED 28,000, the monthly gross income is around AED 600,000. After deducting all costs, his net take-home from chartering is typically AED 250,000 to AED 300,000 per month. And that’s passive income—he doesn’t lift a finger.

Final Thoughts – Owning a Jet in Dubai Is a Lifestyle

Owning a private jet in the UAE is more than an investment—it’s a symbol of freedom and prestige. If you do it right, it can be incredibly enjoyable and even profitable. Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients. Some wanted luxury, some wanted efficiency, and some just wanted to build an income stream. I helped each of them find their path.

If you’re looking to buy a private jet in dubai from the Zorendi directory—whether for business, leisure, or investment—I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

F&Q

Q: How much does it cost to park a private jet in Dubai monthly?
A: Between AED 35,000 and AED 70,000 depending on jet size and services.
Q: Can I make money by renting out my private jet in the UAE?
A: Yes, through charter operators; owners can earn AED 250,000+ monthly after expenses.
Q: Do I need two pilots for every private jet flight?
A: Yes, UAE regulations require at least a captain and a first officer for all jet operations.
Q: What’s the most cost-efficient jet for regional travel from Dubai?
A: The Phenom 300E—low operating costs, 7–9 seats, and 4.5 hours range.
Q: How long does it take to receive a brand-new jet after ordering?
A: Typically 12 to 24 months, depending on manufacturer and customization level.