Dubai Airshow launches future-facing conference programme

Dubai Airshow 2025 has announced the agenda for its accompanying conference programme, designed to stimulate ideas, address industry transformations, and accelerate progress across the aviation, space, and defence sectors.

The conference will take place from November 17th to 21st at the Dubai Airshow Site within Dubai World Central, featuring over 350 expert speakers who will deliver more than 90 hours of live content across 12 dedicated tracks.

To meet the pace of transformation, the 2025 edition adds six new tracks covering smarter maintenance and turnaround strategies, digital breakthroughs in airline and airport operations, emerging challenges in cybersecurity, the latest in airport technologies, inclusive workforce development, and a dedicated “Future Flight: Powered by Women” programme, created in collaboration with the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA).

Dubai Airshow 2025 isn’t just built for content; it is built for connection. This year’s experience goes beyond the stage, with immersive technology demonstrations, high-energy startup pitches, and personal boardroom-style discussions. The newly launched Academy Stage brings timely, relevant conversations to the heart of the show, while Vista returns to amplify the voices of emerging innovators and disruptors.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “Dubai Airshow 2025 will bring together global aviation leaders at a time when our industry is redefining the way people and economies connect. As hosts of the Airport and Airline Keynotes, Dubai Airports is proud to contribute to developing a vision for a future that is built on innovation, sustainability, and new models of global connectivity. This gathering in Dubai provides a platform to chart bold ambitions and forge the partnerships that will help write the next chapter of air travel worldwide.”

For the first time, Dubai Airports will host the Airport & Airline Keynote Track, spotlighting some of the most influential leaders in global aviation. Attendees can hear from Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports; Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline; Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air; and others as they share insight on air traffic growth, digital transformation, airport strategies, and new approaches to aviation safety.

Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer at Aeroporti di Roma, said, “The Dubai Airshow is a premier global stage for aerospace innovation, and we are proud to showcase Aeroporti di Roma’s vision in such an exceptional setting. Recognised internationally for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, ADR continues to lead the transformation of the aviation sector. At the heart of our presence will be Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), where our subsidiary UrbanV stands as a global leader in vertiport development. Dubai, a symbol of excellence in both airport infrastructure and airline operations, is also emerging as a global pioneer in AAM. We are ready to contribute to this revolution, bringing our expertise in safely and efficiently integrating new forms of mobility into the urban airspace.”

The UAE Space Agency returns with a two-day Space conference, this time with a sharper focus on sustainability, security and innovation in orbit. Expect bold conversations on space advancements that’s changing how we live, work and connect - plus fresh opportunities in the growing downstream sector.

Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), said, “From the heartland of America to the flight paths around the world, Dubai Airshow is a launchpad for partnerships that fuel economic growth and transform global connectivity. We’re honoured to showcase and share CVG’s prowess in evolving passenger experience, advancing airport technologies, leveraging sustainability, and accelerating Advanced Air Mobility. CVG is leaning into the future for lasting economic goodness at global scale.”

Alongside it, our two-day Sustainability track dives into the future of greener skies- from cutting-edge aircraft and cleaner fuels to the policies that support building a net zero future for aviation.

“The Dubai Airshow 2025 conference is a vital platform for ideas and innovations that will define the next decade and beyond of aviation, space and defence,” said Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets. “We are proud to bring together the world’s most influential industry voices to explore the opportunities ahead, and to solidify the UAE’s leading position as a global hub for the aerospace and defence industry.”

The inaugural MRO track goes deep into fresh technology, evolving business models, and growth opportunities-giving attendees practical strategies they can apply right away.

At the Academy Stage, the spotlight turns to vital themes like cyber risk, tech innovation, and workforce inclusivity. The “NextGen Leaders” series opens the floor to students and young professionals ready to shape the next chapter of aerospace.

WAM