Dubai Airshow To Host Defence Delegations and Exhibitors

Dubai, UAE. 17 February 2019: The Middle East is cited by Deloitte as one of the key regions that are expected to contribute to industry performance in the near term, in its 2019 global aerospace and defence industry outlook. It states that defence spending in the region is expected to increase as oil prices stabilise at much higher levels compared to recent years.

The Dubai Airshow has a well deserved reputation for representing all sectors of the aerospace industry and the 2019 edition, taking place 17-21 November at DWC, Dubai Airshow Site, will be no exception. 

At the Dubai Airshow 2017, the UAE Ministry of Defence spent more than $4 billion on new products, services and technologies from a range of companies that were exhibiting at the event. “The great thing about the Dubai Airshow is that people come there prepared to do business,” says Major General Abdullah Al Hashemi of the UAE MOD. “Having seen the show grow over the years to now attract the biggest and best of the industry from around the world, I’m looking forward to seeing what will be on offer in November.” 

Of the 1300 exhibitors expected at the Dubai Airshow, around 40% are predicted to be defence companies, with many more companies represented that are part of the associated supply chain. Demonstrating the global appeal of the event, those already committed to exhibiting include Lockheed Martin and Raytheon from the USA, Sukhoi from Russia and Rafale from France as well as Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) from the UAE. In addition, new exhibitors to the event include the Korea Defense Industry Association.

The Dubai Airshow will once again include its reknowned Delegations Programme, in which military and civil delegations from across the world are invited to participate, co-ordinated by show organisers, in conjunction with the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation Authority and the Government of Dubai. In 2017, the show hosted 279 delegations from 76 countries around the world, with that number expected to increase in 2019.

Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director of Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East, says, “The Dubai Airshow is the most effective the way to do business in the Middle East, and the networking value is immeasurable. The region’s business culture is all about face-to-face communication where personal business relationships are highly valued. The Dubai Airshow provides the ideal platform for the aerospace industry as whole to come together and do business in the region and beyond.”

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Airshow is held in co-operation with the UAE Armed Forces, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Airports. The Dubai Airshow takes place 17-21 November 2019 at DWC, Dubai Airshow Site.