The Dubai Airshow opens its doors on 15 November, with over one third of its exhibition space dedicated to defence companies.
Running for five days, from 15 to 19 November at Airport Expo, the biennial airshow is the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East and the fastest growing in the world.
With less than ten weeks to go, Dubai Airshow has confirmed the showing of an awe-inspiring range of military aircraft, including at least 15 aircraft flown in by the US Department of Defence, some of which are the C-130J, the C-17, the F-15E and the Shadow.
A full-scale replica of the Eurofighter will be showcased at the event and China’s AVIC will feature its advanced jet trainer Falcon L-15.
The Italian Airforce’s Frecce Tricolori and Patrouille de France aerobatic teams will display the capabilities of the Aermacchi and the Alpha Jet trainers, respectively, in the daily flying display.
The UAE Government’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that representatives at ministerial and senior military level from well over 50 countries have been invited to attend the Dubai Airshow.
Dubai Airshow organiser, F&E Aerospace, has appointed a dedicated delegations team to work closely with embassies globally to ensure the attendance of key personalities, including Chiefs of Air Force, Army, Navy, Chiefs of Staff, Defence Chiefs and Defence Ministers, plus members of the region’s Ruling Families.
Alison Weller, Director of F&E Aerospace, expressed confidence that this year’s Dubai Airshow will spearhead the aerospace industry’s recovery, reflecting the ‘green shoots’ apparent elsewhere in the global economy. “The past year has been a difficult time for manufacturers, suppliers and service-providers.
“However, defence spending within the Middle East region has withstood the economic downturn and with a more bullish outlook for the coming year, I am cautiously optimistic that the Dubai Airshow will signal a return to a healthy marketplace and the opportunity for civil and defence exhibitors to take advantage of the upturn.”
According to a recent study by consulting firm, Frost & Sullivan, defence spending in the Middle East is forecast to exceed US$100 billion by 2014; the UAE spent US$4 billion in the past year, while Saudi Arabia looks set to spend at least US$36 billion over the next five years.
The impressive number of military delegations invited to attend Dubai Airshow 2009 will be hosted comfortably in the Royal Pavilion and in the exhibitors’ hospitality chalets which line the static aircraft park and aerial display area beyond.
