From November 13 to 17, 2023, the Dubai Airshow is primed to propel the aerospace industry into uncharted realms of excellence. It will be the epicentre of all things aerospace and defence, drawing industry giants from commercial and business aviation, space exploration, and military aviation, converging to shape the future of our skies.

The whirr of the wings will echo through the bustling show as the renowned flying display makes a comeback at the show, providing a remarkable platform for manufacturers to showcase their aircraft’s capabilities. Alongside this, a static display of commercial and military aircraft, business jets, drones, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), commercial airliners, military jets, helicopters, and more will captivate enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Now in its 18th edition, this event, one of the world’s largest and most successful airshows, will unfold at the Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site, bringing together aerospace professionals from every corner of the globe. Dubai Airshow enjoys steadfast support from Dubai Airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Ministry of Defense, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and the UAE Space Agency, with organisation duties expertly managed by Tarsus Middle East.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the 2023 Dubai Airshow aligns seamlessly with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of this year as the ‘Year of Sustainability.’ This pivotal theme will take centre stage throughout the event, with exhibitors showcasing their sustainable solutions and strategies. Government entities will also spotlight initiatives that bolster the UAE’s commitment to promoting sustainable circularity, setting the stage for COP28 UAE in Dubai, commencing at the end of November.

Dubai Airshow’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and waste in alignment with the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative will also be prominently underscored.

In an effort to promote localisation, the Dubai Airshow 2023 is introducing the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ programme. This visionary initiative offers international companies an invaluable platform to engage with local manufacturers, seeking guidance on establishing production operations within the country. It marks a significant step towards enhancing the UAE’s self-reliance and bolstering its aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

Other new and expanded features include an enriched conference agenda and the largest Space pavilion to date. Space at Dubai Airshow 2023 will be highlighted through initiatives such as the Space experience zone, a carefully curated space delegation programme, and a two-day content programme. Additionally, the brand-new Air Worthiness and Safety Conference, an invitation-only two-day event hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defense, will further enhance the event’s offerings.

Dubai Airshow has firmly established itself as a crucial rendezvous point for the global aerospace and defence ecosystem, and the 2023 edition promises to be yet another world-class event where industry pioneers and innovators can showcase their achievements and identify future trends and opportunities, emphasises Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East, the organiser of the show.

“As the place for landmark deals, we welcome exhibitors from across sectors including commercial aviation, advanced aerial mobility, aircraft interiors, space, MRO, defence and military, business aviation, air cargo, air traffic management, and emerging technology.”

He adds: “Our aim for this year is to build on that success, as we prepare to welcome a diverse range of local, regional, and international exhibitors. Many major players have already confirmed their return, along with a host of new exhibitors, who will bring cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and aircraft.”

Speaking about Dubai Airshow’s position on the international aviation exhibition map, Hawes underscores its status as one of the largest and most successful airshows globally, renowned for bringing together aerospace, space, and defence professionals across all facets of the industry. Supported by industry leaders and government entities, it is acknowledged as a world-class platform offering invaluable market insights, numerous learning opportunities, showcasing innovative technologies and solutions, and playing a pivotal role in facilitating global trade deals that drive transformative change.

The first Dubai Airshow took flight in 1989, featuring 200 exhibitors and 25 aircraft. Since then, it has skyrocketed in significance and influence. The previous edition in November 2021 saw announcements of deals worth more than $74 billion during the mega event.

As the global aerospace market continues its rapid growth and evolution, Dubai Airshow remains the ultimate platform to showcase the industry’s transformation, marked by innovation, infrastructure expansion, and technological advancement, notes Hawes.

Key events and conferences at the airshow this year will feature a series of new and enhanced features. Apart from the iconic flying and static displays, attendees can expect to be immersed in the latest technologies and trends disrupting the aerospace market.

Hawes elaborates: “Our enhanced conference agenda will cover the full spectrum of aerospace development across a number of tracks. Highlights include the expanded Tech Xplore pavilion, which will share insights into artificial intelligence, passenger experience, and focus on the latest advancements and innovations in areas such as Advanced Aerial Mobility.”

Furthermore, the Aerospace 2050 stage will host a series of tracks dedicated to major themes for this year’s airshow – sustainability, and space – as well as feature Next Gen leaders.