Technology

The 24th edition of the Dubai Airport Show concluded today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, receiving an overwhelming response from global aviation stakeholders and setting the stage for unprecedented expansion in the sector. With a central focus on technological innovation and future-ready infrastructure, the event called for increased investment and adoption of emerging technologies to seize the vast opportunities presented by airport development projects worldwide.

Organized by RX Global under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline, the three-day event hosted more than 6,000 attendees from over 30 countries. It featured over 140 exhibitors and more than 150 buyers from 70 organizations, alongside more than 3,500 meetings facilitated through the Business Connect Programme.

Future-Ready Aviation Landscape
In the backdrop of a rapidly expanding aviation industry, the Show became a pivotal platform for exploring bold, forward-looking strategies. Discussions addressed airspace congestion, smart traffic management, autonomous aviation, and the transformation of airports into integrated logistics hubs. The event coincided with projections that the Middle East will handle over 1.1 billion passengers annually by 2040, up from 405 million in 2019.

Strategic Partnerships and Announcements
Several key joint ventures, collaborations, and service expansions were announced during the event. Notably, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) awarded Smiths Detection a contract to deploy advanced checkpoint scanners across Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at Dubai International Airport.

African nations marked a significant presence this year, presenting ambitious infrastructure blueprints through 2030. The show also welcomed strategic industry leaders including Amadeus as Strategic Partner, Schneider Electric as Technology Partner, and WAISL, dans, Smiths Detection, and ADB SAFEGATE as sponsors.

Co-located Forums and High-Level Engagements
The Airport Show hosted the 12th Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF) and the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference, attracting over 70 thought leaders and experts across 30 sessions. Key figures such as Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri (GDRFA), HE Ahmad Ali Belqaizi (DCAA), and Talal Al Hammadi (dans) shared insights on the region’s aviation roadmap, including AI integration and unmanned traffic systems.

Innovation on Display
The exhibition showcased a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions. Among the highlights:

• TOTO introduced eco-friendly sanitary solutions via Al-Futtaim Contracting.

• Access Covers Australia presented its ISO-certified airport infrastructure solutions.

• KAMS Global emphasized scalable, culturally aligned solutions for the MEASA region.

• Timsan highlighted its durable ground support equipment (GSE).

• Tratos demonstrated smart airport cabling innovations.

• Eternity Technologies unveiled its UAE-made CNT-based Quasar battery range.

• Sage Parts showcased its high-performance GSE products.

• FAST Global Solutions leveraged the event to expand its Middle East footprint.

Looking Ahead: Airport Show 2026
May Ismail, Event Manager of the Airport Show, expressed gratitude to all participants, noting the show's expanding international relevance. “The 25th edition will be even bigger and more inclusive,” she confirmed, announcing the dates for the next Airport Show, set for May 12–14, 2026, once again at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

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