FIELD: dehydrogenation catalysts. SUBSTANCE: catalyst composition containing gallium, aluminum oxide, optionally silicon oxide, and/or one or more alkali or alkali-earth metals is activated in air after which postactivation is carried out in the following steps: oxidation by air and/or oxygen, or by mixture containing oxygen and inert gas; blowing through with inert gas; reduction by hydrogen or by mixture of hydrogen with inert or reducing gas. In the thus prepared catalyst, aluminum oxide is present in its $$$ or $$$ phase, or in the form of $$$ or $$$ mixtures. EFFECT: increased catalyst activity. 6 cl, 4 dwg, 5 tbl
