November’s Dubai Airshow is showcasing the development of the aerospace industry in the United Arab Emirates as the country celebrates its 40th anniversary just two weeks later on 2 December 2011.

Running from 13 to 17 November 2011 at the city’s Airport Expo, the Dubai Airshow is the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East and the fastest growing in the world.

The next edition of the Dubai Airshow is set to be the biggest yet, with up to 1,000 exhibitors expected from 50 countries, which will attract over 55,000 trade visitors.

The very first Dubai Airshow in 1989 presented 200 exhibitors, 5% of which were from the UAE. Of the 1,000 companies exhibiting at this year’s show, 35% will be UAE-based exhibitors from all sectors of the aerospace industry.

Alison Weller, Managing Director of Dubai Airshow Organizer, F&E Aerospace, said: “In tribute to the success of the UAE’s aerospace industry, we are showcasing the companies which, through their hard work and commitment, have contributed to the development and sustained growth of the aerospace industry in the UAE over the past 40 years.”  

One such success story is Mubadala which, in its nine years since launch, has invested in aircraft manufacturing (PiaggioAero SpA), composites aerostructures manufacturing (STRATA) aviation training (Horizon International Flight Academy), and maintenance (Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies), in pursuit of its aim of becoming a global aerospace hub.

Dubai International Airport celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010 and that same year was ranked 4th globally for international passengers by Airport Council International (ACI).

Dubai International is the hub for the Emirates Group, including Emirates Airline and Dnata, the travel services company, which recently posted its 23rdconsecutive year of profit, totaling US$1.6 billion.

The Dubai Airshow is organized under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in association with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.