We strive to build smarter, safer airports, says Sheikh Ahmed

 The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region continues investing massively in expanding its airport infrastructure and facilities, enhancing passenger capacity, and widening connectivity and facilitation through smart technologies that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). 

The MENA airport construction projects are in advanced stages, with 78.7 per cent of the total value in pre-execution and execution phases. Saudi Arabia holds the largest share of the pipeline value at 42.5 per cent, followed by the UAE at 26.8 per cent and Bahrain at 7.6 per cent.  

Airports are focusing on sustainability through innovations in renewable energy, electric and autonomous vehicles, energy-efficient building design, waste reduction, and digital tools to optimize operations.  

Several airports will be showcasing their new projects along with procuring their required technological products  at the 25th  edition of the Airport Show to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 12 to 14 next year. 

"At Airport Show 2026, we come together to explore solutions, align visions, and shape the blueprint for airports of the future.”

More than 150+ exhibitors from over 30 countries are expected to participate in this edition of the show, with more than 7,000 visitors from over 30 countries attending during the three days, in addition to 120 hosted buyers. 

To be held under the patronage of 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, the airport industry’s leading regional platform will have co-located conferences – Global Airport Leaders’ Forum, Airport Security Middle East, ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Conference. 

Sheikh Ahmed said: “We shared an ambition of building smarter, safer, and more sustainable airports, and of enhancing the quality of service and facilities for airlines and passengers alike. At Airport Show 2026, we come together to explore solutions, align visions, and shape the blueprint for airports of the future.” 

Remarked May Ismail, Event Manager at RX Middle East, organizers of the Airport Show: “Airports in this region have a big role to play as the number of global passengers is expected to reach 17.7 billion by 2043. This massively populated region is positioning itself to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of air travel by pumping massive investments in developing and expanding its airport infrastructure and enhancing passenger experience.”  

Passenger traffic, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts, in the Middle East will reach 530 million by 2043.