Dubai hosts foremost air show in the Middle East

Attended by delegates from around the globe, the 11th Dubai Air Show, running from 15 to 19 November at Airport Expo, opened on Sunday in the UAE’s most populous state, Dubai. The biennial show, claiming to be the Middle East’s foremost aerospace event and the world’s fastest growing air exhibition, is being organized by F and E Aerospace, in cooperation with Dubai Airport, the Government of Dubai and the UAE Armed Forces.

Wakalat Anba’a al-Emarat (WAM) news agency reported that this year’s air exposition provides more spacious exhibition halls than in 2007, with the floor area being increased by more than 7,000sqm. Dubai Air Show also displays new and technically advanced aircrafts, and systems and equipments from the world’s top industry players.

Approximately 130 airplanes were put on display, including 14 jets for the air shows. The F-22 Raptor fighter jet, which combines the expertise of Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and the US Air Force, is the main attraction of Dubai Air Show. Meanwhile, exhibition organizers confirmed the display of the advanced Falcon L-15 training aircraft and the Eurofighter.

The exposition has showcased pavilions from 12 countries as well, namely Austria, Belgium Canada, France, Germany, Jordan, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, the UK and the US. Approximately 37 military delegations from 40 nations, including 11 chiefs of staff, 18 defence ministers and 19 air force commanders, have attended the five-day event. Dubai Air Show has catered 890 exhibitors from 47 countries, showcasing the latest products, services and technology from the industry.