Delegations and companies from more than 25 countries, including global leaders in the aerospace industry will attend the upcoming Bahrain International Airshow.

The event to be hosted at the Sakhir Air Base from 16 to 18 January 2014 is being organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Royal Bahraini Air Force, under the supervision of the King’s personal representative and Head of the Supreme Organizing Committee of BIAS, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The high-profile industry players to take part in the show include Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft, said the organizers.

Top international companies participating include Thales Group; France’s Morpho (Safron); Lufthansa Technic from Germany; India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO); and Tawazun Holding, an Abu Dhabi-based strategic investment holding company focused on defense and specialized manufacturing will also be there.

A major delegation from Saudi Arabia will be present at the show. Also, there will be a strong Turkish participation, with eight aerospace businesses from the country in attendance, said the organizer.

On the show, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “BIAS is a unique event, taking place in a commercially-focused environment that seeks to give aerospace businesses a personalized experience and offering easy access to high-level delegations.”

The newly introduced “Airport, Security and Surveillance Pavilion” will feature participation from Rolls-Royce, ADB Lighting Technologies, Martin Baker, Safegate and Ultra Electronics.

Running alongside the airshow will be the “Great British Week,” exhibiting Britain’s tradition of world-class engineering and technology skills with companies such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.

The BIAS 2014 is also set to offer the public a festival of fun including a 4.5-hour flying display and a host of on-ground attractions and entertainment.

The highlights include a heritage handicrafts village, children’s rides and games, flight simulators, a new Space Zone and interactive educational activities for all ages, the organizers added.