The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), established in 1996, oversees all civil aviation activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It operates as an independent regulatory body, overseeing more than 550 organizations throughout the country. The GCAA is crucial in ensuring safety and security within the national airspace system, managing air traffic services, and enforcing regulations. The authority comprises various departments, each with specific responsibilities and functions.

The Air Accident Investigation Department (AAI) is one of the primary departments within the GCAA. It investigates aviation accidents and incidents within and outside the UAE's airspace. The primary objective of the AAI is to determine the causes of accidents and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Another significant department is Security Affairs, which is responsible for establishing security regulations, analyzing threats, and managing the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP). This department oversees the training and supervision of airport security personnel to maintain high levels of safety and security.

Additionally, the Safety Affairs Department supports the UAE government in developing national safety policies and international agreements related to aviation safety. It provides technical expertise for accident and incident investigations and ensures compliance with safety standards at both national and international levels.