Airport Show takes off in Dubai with broad global participation

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, opened on Tuesday the 24th edition of Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which will run till May 8, 2025.

He toured the B2B exhibition pavilions accompanied by top aviation officials and industry stakeholders and engaged with various exhibitors and learning more about the latest technologies shaping the airport industry.

More than 6,000 trade visitors from 30 countries are attending the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s (MEASA) largest airport industry B2B platform to explore innovations and technologies that shape future airports including advances in enhancing the passenger experience, airport traffic management, airport carbon-reduction and sustainability, digitalization, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

The three-day dedicated airport industry platform welcomes participation by 140 exhibitors from 22 countries who will meet, network and do business with highly-qualified 150+ buyers from over 70 organisations from 30 countries.

This year’s Airport Show is opened in the wake of the Middle East and neighbouring regions experiencing a significant surge in airport expansion projects, driven by a robust recovery in global aviation and optimistic projections for passenger growth.

With expectations to handle approximately 1.1 billion passengers annually by 2040 — up from 405 million in 2019 — the Middle East is investing heavily in infrastructure to meet this demand.​ HH Sheikh Ahmed remarked: “Dubai’s aviation sector is on a clear upward trajectory, driven by infrastructure expansion and the adoption of new technologies. As major contributors to our economy and global connectivity, both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of air travel through 2030s and beyond, delivering world-class performance and operational excellence. We remain firmly on our journey of progress, with many more milestones ahead in strengthening Dubai’s global reputation.

“Since 2001, the Airport Show has had a long-standing presence in Dubai, and I am confident that this 24th edition will further support the growth of the regional aviation industry. I wish the organisers and participants every success as we look ahead to a landmark Silver Jubilee edition in 2026.” There are two conferences – Global Airport Leaders’ Forum, and Women in Aviation Middle East Conference – co-located with 30+ sessions and 70+ aviation leaders and expert speakers.

The 12th Global Airport Leader’s Forum (GALF) designed to take forward the aviation knowledge-enhancement agenda with keynote speeches from Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), HE Abdulla Al Shamsi, Director of Engineering, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and HE Ahmad Ali Belqaizi, Executive Director, Aviation Safety and Environment Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).

Also co-located is the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter’s Conference and Awards taking place on the third day of Airport Show. This year’s new attractions include the GSE Zone, Airport Tech Pavilion, and Airport Design Hub.

Being held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Airport Show is organised by RX, a global company that organizes about 350 events across the world, to provide participants valuable insights into issues and technologies shaping the airports in the ever-evolving competitive global business landscape.

The Airport Show is designed to serve the US$1 trillion airport development market in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

May Ismail, Event Manager at RX Middle East, said the Airport Show has been growing each passing year as it is tailored to the needs and requirements that the airports and related domains require. Through making the availability of futuristic products and services, the Airport Show continues to serve this progressive industry a great B2B platform.” Global technology majors are showcasing the latest innovative products and services that improve efficiency and performance of the aviation industry.

Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Countries, Schneider Electric, said: “We are proud to be the ‘Technology Partner’ for the Airport Show showcasing our latest integrated solutions for the aviation industry from facility management to passenger experience and how we help airports around the world reduce their environmental impact”.

“Our presence at the Show reflects Schneider Electric’s deep commitment to shaping the future of aviation through digitalization and electrification. As the aviation industry in the Middle East experiences unprecedented growth, our strategic objective is to empower airports to scale efficiently — with intelligent, secure, and resilient systems that elevate the passenger experience.

More than 6,000 trade visitors from 30 countries are attending the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s (MEASA) largest airport industry B2B platform to explore innovations