The Dubai Airshow successfully concluded its largest edition yet. Held at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) under the theme ‘The future of aerospace,’ the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow constituted a pivotal meeting point for global industry leaders and a catalyst for the growth of the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
Since opening its doors on November 13, 2023, the event saw a steady influx of aerospace and defence enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations, technologies and solutions, with total visitors exceeding 200,000 over the five-day event.
The 2023 edition hosted over 1,400 exhibitors representing 148 nations, unveiling cutting-edge advancements in aircraft, defence technologies, advanced tech and more.
The 18th edition of Dubai Airshow showcased the unflagging commitment of the aviation, aerospace and defence industries to sustained technological advancements, with more than $101 billion in deals announced through the week.
AED 23 billion in deals
Tawazun Council, responsible for acquisitions, purchases and contracts on behalf of the UAE’s Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police, announced that deals worth a total of AED 23.06 billion were signed during the five-day event.
Day one saw deals worth AED 4.7 billion, day two AED 6.9 billion, day three AED 5.184 billion and day four AED 4.087 billion.
On the final day, the Ministry of Defence signed 10 deals worth AED 1.415 billion with local and international companies.
UAE President Tours the Exhibition
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, toured the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow held at Al Maktoum International Airport.
During his visit to national and international exhibits and outdoor display areas, His Highness was briefed on the latest innovations, technologies and solutions in aerospace and defence that are shaping the future of global air transport. He also explored opportunities for sustainability in the aviation industry and reducing carbon emissions, talking to exhibitors about their advanced technologies and innovations in detail and wished all participants success at the exhibition.
The president emphasised that the scale of participation and Dubai Airshow’s ongoing success demonstrates the UAE’s influence in the global aviation industry.
He noted the event provides a global platform for decision-makers, industry leaders, experts and stakeholders to discuss pioneering solutions and future trends to advance the aviation world and shape a brighter future for the sector.
He emphasized that aviation represents a vital industry supporting the growth and prosperity of many related sectors in the UAE.
Mohammed bin Rashid: Under the leadership of Mohammed bin Zayed … The UAE plays influential role in shaping better future
For his part, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that the UAE under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continues to establish its influential role in shaping a better future for the world.
This stems from its deep belief in the importance of positive participation and constructive cooperation in finding solutions to cross-border challenges around the world, as well as expanding partnerships in addressing issues related to the world’s future, chief among them sustainability.
During his visit to the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow, His Highness commended the event’s steady growth throughout its long history and its role in helping the global aviation sector overcome crises in recent years.
“Over more than three decades, the Dubai Airshow has cemented its position as the most important event on the global industry’s calendar, with huge multibillion-dollar deals being made at the show, boosting the future of the world’s aerospace sector and enabling it to overcome major challenges. Dubai is the land where challenges become opportunities and difficulties become new horizons for success,” His Highness said.
Moreover, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid welcomed exhibitors from 148 countries, stressing that the UAE places its capabilities, expertise, and successful experiences in support of any idea aimed at advancing human progress, and any effort that helps provide people with opportunities for a better tomorrow.
His Highness toured various national and international exhibits, learning about the latest solutions, products and services related to future aviation technologies.
Sustainability is the main focus of this edition, along with air transportation, artificial intelligence and related topics.
Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid welcome participating delegations
Their Highnesses Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, received several delegations from Fraternal and friendly countries participating in the 18th and largest Dubai Airshow edition yet.
Their Highnesses welcomed the delegations participating in the global event, comprising defence ministers, chiefs of staff, and air force commanders, wishing them success in achieving positive and fruitful outcomes through their participation in the specialized global event, in a way that serves the sector’s future on a sustainable basis.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that the Dubai Airshow is one of the most important global events hosted by the UAE, noting its development and growing stature in terms of the volume and quality of national and international participation, as well as the diversity of its solutions and exhibits which together shape the future of one of the most vital global sectors, aviation.
His Highness stressed that the UAE, guided by its wise leadership, is keen to continue its positive contribution internationally across various fields, especially aviation.
Moreover, it strives to enhance its position as a platform for the world to embark on new stages of growth, given its expertise and capabilities that enable it to play an influential role in aviation as one of the most prominent future-oriented sectors with a direct impact on other sectors.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized Dubai Airshow’s role in establishing the UAE’s leadership in hosting and organizing the most prominent and important global events across various sectors.
He stressed the airshow’s status and impact on developing and advancing the industry globally.
With the support of its wise leadership and its commitment to providing every opportunity to ensure a more sustainable future for the coming generations, the UAE works to promote global dialogue aimed at reaching solutions that help conserve resources, protect the environment, and encourage innovation to achieve this strategic goal across different areas, most importantly the aviation sector.
His Highness said the event translates the UAE’s approach to promoting global dialogue aimed at enabling vital sectors to uncover new opportunities for partnerships to support further development and prosperity.
He praised the Airshow’s growing regional and international status and the successive editions displaying the latest global innovations and trends in civil and defence aviation as well as the keenness of industry leaders and innovators from around the world to convene in Dubai to discuss and define future trends and explore how to leverage them.
The meeting was attended by their highnesses Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline Group, Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, and His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, along with various military leaders.
Additionally, Their Highnesses Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed and Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed attended the air show featuring the latest and most advanced commercial and military aircraft demonstrations.
Infographic
Coverage by: Razi Izzeddine El-Hadmi
Photography by: Abdullah Al Suwaidi
