The United Arab Emirates is famous for its long history in the aviation and aerospace sector, and Dubai is a global hub for commercial aviation and air travel.
The Dubai Airshow is one of the most important International exhibitions in the aviation and space sector, as it constitutes an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the latest technologies and innovations in this field and provides an ideal environment for trade and marketing of products and services.
Since its inception in 1989, The Dubai Airshow has gained increased importance, attracting the interest of participants and visitors worldwide.
This exhibition is an important meeting point for aircraft manufacturers and suppliers of services and technologies in the aviation sector, attracting investors and those interested in this field.
The Dubai International Airshow provides an opportunity for participating companies to display their products and provide services to their customers and visitors to the exhibition.
Furthermore, it represents an opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and innovations in the aviation sector, while providing an opportunity for investors to explore investment opportunities in this growing sector.
The Airshow includes educational activities, workshops, conferences and forums that help enhance communication and exchange experiences and knowledge in this field, deriving its importance from the fact that it is a strong catalyst for development and innovation in the aviation and space sector, enhancing cooperation and partnerships between companies and countries in this vital field.
This exhibition contributes to the development of this important industry and increases its ability to compete on a global level.
Dubai is set to host the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow next November and to learn more about this upcoming major event, Al Jundi interviewed (Timothy Hawes), managing director of Tarsus Middle East, the company organizing the exhibition, and had the following dialogue:
Tell us about the Dubai Airshow and the new features that the 18th edition of the exhibition will offer this year.
Dubai Airshow is one of the world’s leading aerospace events and the 18th edition will take place from 13-17 November 2023 at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. It will bring together global players from across aerospace and defence, including commercial and business aviation, space and military aircrafts, and the event is supported by key industry stakeholders including Dubai Airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and the UAE Space Agency.
With 2023 announced by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the (Year of Sustainability), this will be a key theme at the show. Highlighted across the show floor with exhibitors bringing their sustainable solutions and strategies, government entities will also highlight the initiatives that are further reinforcing the UAE’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable circularity ahead of COP28 UAE in Dubai. Dubai Airshow will also outline our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and waste in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative.
A new (Make it in the Emirates) programme is launching this year, highlighting the theme of localisation by providing a platform for international companies to meet with manufacturers and get advice and guidance on manufacturing in the country.
Other new and expanded features include our enhanced conference agenda and the biggest Space pavilion to date. Space at Dubai Airshow 2023 will be showcased through initiatives including the Space experience zone, a carefully selected space delegation programme, and a two-day content programme. Meanwhile, the brand new Air Worthiness and Safety Conference is an invite-only two-day conference hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence.
What are your general expectations for the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow and the size of the local and international participation in this session?
As the UAE continues to take strides in bringing together global players from across aerospace, space and defence, the latest edition of our world-class airshow will gather leaders from across the industry to drive change.
As the global aerospace market continues to rapidly grow and evolve, the 18th edition will build on previous success, providing significant levels of innovation, infrastructure expansion and technological advancement.
the importance and influence of the Dubai Airshow continue to grow with each new edition, and the last edition was the most successful Dubai Airshow since its inception in 1989, welcoming more than 1,200 local and international exhibitors – with over 370 of these exhibiting for the first time – and more than 104,000 attendees from 148 countries,
with more than $74 billion worth of deals announced during the mega event.
Our aim for this year is to build on that success, as we prepare to welcome a diverse range of local, regional and international exhibitors.
Many major players have already confirmed their return, along with a host of new exhibitors, who will bring cutting-edge technologies, solutions and aircraft.
How do you see the participation of defence companies in the exhibition and what’s new in this regard?
The defence sector continues to witness significant developments and Dubai Airshow is a key platform for gathering industry stakeholders. Featuring the most prominent military and civil official delegations and international armed forces, defence will be a clear focus for Dubai Airshow 2023 as we continue to play a key role in facilitating long-term growth.
Exhibitors will showcase the most advanced military aircraft and air defence technologies, and we are also incredibly proud to have the UAE Ministry of Defence as a strategic partner of the Airshow which will be hosting the inaugural Air Worthiness and Safety Conference at the show this year.
Who should be an exhibitor at the Dubai Airshow?
Dubai Airshow is firmly established as one of the most important meeting points for the global aerospace and defence ecosystem, the 2023 edition will be another world-class event for the industry’s trailblazers and innovators to showcase and identify future trends and opportunities.
As the place for landmark deals, we welcome exhibitors from across sectors including commercial aviation, advanced aerial mobility, aircraft interiors, space, MRO, defence and military, business aviation, air cargo, air traffic management and emerging technology.
From country pavilions and exhibitor stands to static and flying aircraft displays and a huge variety of conference sessions, it is always fantastic to see exhibitors utilise the variety of opportunities available to showcase their leading innovations and expertise.
What are the most important events and conferences that will be organized on the sidelines of the exhibition in its next session?
This year will see a series of new and enhanced features. Our famous flying display will return, offering an impressive way for manufacturers to demonstrate their aircraft capabilities, and this will be accompanied by a static display of commercial and military aircraft, business jets, drones and UAVs, helicopters and more.
As new technologies and trends continuously disrupt the market, our enhanced conference agenda will cover the full spectrum of aerospace development across 13 tracks on five stages.
Highlights include the expanded Tech Xplore pavilion, which will share insights into artificial intelligence, and passenger experience and highlight the latest advancements and innovations in areas such as Advanced Aerial Mobility.
Meanwhile, our Aerospace 2050 stage will feature a series of tracks dedicated to major themes for this year’s Airshow, sustainability and space, as well as feature Next Gen Leaders.
Where do you see the Dubai Airshow 2023 on the map of international aviation exhibitions?
Dubai Airshow has established itself as one of the most successful airshows in the world, building its reputation by connecting aerospace, space and defence professionals across all areas of the industry.
Backed by leading industry stakeholders and government entities, we provide invaluable market insights and learning opportunities and play an instrumental role in facilitating successful global trade deals.
How do you assess the current performance of the aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates? What are the main challenges facing this sector today in general at all levels?
Despite a difficult few years due to the pandemic, IATA reports that the aviation industry is expected to return to profitability this year. While there are new challenges facing the sector globally – including rising interest rates, record inflation in Western economies, higher jet fuel prices, supply chain issues delaying deliveries and calls for industry-wide decarbonisation – the outlook remains optimistic, particularly in the UAE and wider Middle East region.
The Middle East has one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, set to grow by $6.17 billion during 2022 and 2026, accelerating at a CAGR of 7.6% during this period. The UAE remains at the centre of this growth, establishing itself as an international leader in innovation and infrastructure expansion, while also being home to some of the largest airlines in the world, which are setting the standard for the future of global aviation. As the aviation sector continues to maintain its rapid growth trajectory, sustainability remains a key focus throughout all developments.
ProFile
- Timothy Hawes is the Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East.
- Has a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from the UK.
- He is a publishing, conference, training and exhibitions professional with over 21 years of experience in the UK, the US and the Middle East.
- Before joining Tarsus, he worked as Commercial and Portfolio Director at Dubai World Trade Centre, as well as holding positions at Informa and Centaur Media Plc.
- He led various major international events including Dubai Airshow, MEBAA Show, the Global Aerospace Summit, AIME MRO and the Abu Dhabi Space Debate.
« Interviewed by: «AlJundi»
