Dubai Airshow 2025 has announced the agenda for its accompanying conference programme, designed to spark ideas, address sector-wide transformations, and accelerate progress across the aviation, space, and defence industries.
The conference will take place from 17–21 November at the Dubai Airshow site within Dubai World Central, featuring more than 350 expert speakers delivering over 90 hours of live content across 12 defined tracks. Spread across four interactive stages, the agenda reflects the sector’s shifting priorities, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategies to meet future demands.
New Tracks for a Changing Industry
This year’s edition introduces six new thematic tracks in response to the industry’s rapid evolution. The programme will feature sessions on advanced maintenance strategies, smart transformation, and digital innovations in airline and airport operations, alongside discussions on emerging cybersecurity challenges, cutting-edge airport technologies, and workforce development. It will also include a dedicated “Aviation’s Future: Empowering Women” track, created in partnership with Women in Aviation International.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airshow 2025 will gather the world’s foremost aviation leaders at a time when the industry is redefining how people and economies connect. As the host of the Airports and Airlines Keynote Track, Dubai Airports is honoured to contribute to a forward-looking vision founded on innovation, sustainability, and new models of global connectivity. The event serves as a vital platform for shaping ambitious plans and forging partnerships that will define the next era of air travel worldwide.”
Under the patronage of Dubai Airports, the inaugural Airports and Airlines Keynote Track will feature influential industry leaders, including Paul Griffiths, Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. Speakers will share insights on air traffic growth, digital transformation, airport strategies, and new approaches to aviation safety.
Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer at Aeroporti di Roma, noted that Dubai Airshow stands as a global hub for aviation innovation, with this year’s participation focusing on advanced air mobility. “Dubai is a benchmark for excellence in airport infrastructure and operations, and a world leader in evolving air mobility,” he said.
Space, Sustainability, and Innovation in Focus
The UAE Space Agency will return with a two-day Space Conference, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, security, and innovation in space exploration and technology.
Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, described Dubai Airshow as “an ideal venue for forging partnerships that drive economic growth and elevate global connectivity, from the United States to aviation networks worldwide.”
A two-day Sustainability Track will explore the future of environmentally friendly aviation, covering advanced aircraft, clean fuel technologies, and policy frameworks to support net-zero ambitions.
Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, highlighted the event’s role as “a vital hub for exchanging ideas and showcasing innovations that will shape the next decade and beyond in aviation, space, and defence.”
Debut Tracks and Opportunities for Future Leaders
The Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Track will make its debut, focusing on the latest technologies, evolving business models, and growth opportunities, offering attendees actionable strategies to implement immediately.
The Academy Stage will address critical issues such as cybersecurity, technological innovation, and workforce inclusivity, while the “NextGen Leaders” series will invite students and young professionals to engage in shaping aviation’s future.
The Advanced Air Mobility Track will spotlight breakthrough technologies, regulatory policies, and strategic partnerships, while the Passenger Experience Track will examine how the sector can deliver smoother, smarter, and more connected journeys.
Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, commented: “We look forward to showcasing our latest solutions, including those from our current flight test programme in Abu Dhabi, as we continue our global leadership in shaping the future of mobility with our UAE partners.”
Vista Innovation Hub
Vista, the Airshow’s dedicated innovation platform, will bring together start-up founders, investors, and decision-makers over four dynamic days of networking, collaboration, and deal-making.
Dubai Airshow 2025 promises to be a landmark event for the aviation, space, and defence sectors, offering a unique forum to share knowledge, foster innovation, and chart the industry’s next chapter.
