Dubai Airshow

What Dubai Airshow does

Dubai Airshow is the Middle East's premier biennial aerospace and defense trade exhibition, established in 1989 and currently in its 19th edition. Organized by Informa Markets (a trading division of Informa PLC), the 19th edition (17–21 November 2025) was held at Dubai World Central (DWC) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attracting nearly 249,000 visitors, 1,500+ exhibitors from 115 countries, and 493 official delegations from 97 countries. Facilitated deal volume at the 2025 edition reached $202 billion (Dhs741 billion), nearly double the $101 billion announced in 2023. The event features a multi-track conference programme (12 tracks, 350+ speakers, 90+ hours of content), sector-specific pavilions for Space and Advanced Air Mobility, a startup platform (Vista), a public SkyView festival, and supplementary zones including the Inspiration Zone, Wellness Zone, Training Academy, NextGen Leaders, and Airshow After Dark.

The core technical platform consists of exhibition infrastructure (8,000sqm expanded hall space, Static Park, chalet facilities) combined with an official event mobile app that delivers AI-powered attendee matchmaking, exhibitor information, and digital event materials. The Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion showcases eVTOLs, drones, and urban air mobility technologies from Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, Autocraft, Eanan, and WeFly. The Dubai Airports-led Sustainability Showcase delivers a world-first fully electric ground turnaround demonstration in partnership with dnata, flydubai, and 30+ industry participants.

Revenue is generated through exhibition space sales, tiered corporate sponsorships (Diamond, Conference, Vista, Defense Technology, Space, Sustainability), public ticket sales for the SkyView festival (AED 30 standard / AED 60 VIP via Virgin Tickets), and the professional Experience Pass ($149). The go-to-market motion is hybrid: direct enterprise sales for booth space and sponsorship packages, direct-to-consumer ticket sales for public access, and channel partnerships with industry associations (IATA, IAWA, AIA), media outlets (Aviation Week, Arab Aerospace), and government bodies (UAE Space Agency, UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority) for delegate recruitment.

Name

Dubai Airshow

Legal name

Informa Markets (a trading division of Informa PLC)

Website

https://dubaiairshow.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dubai Airshow is a biennial aerospace, defense, and space trade exhibition organized by Informa Markets, serving 1,500+ exhibitors from 115 countries and 249,000 visitors per edition under the patronage of UAE leadership. It operates a multi-track conference programme, dedicated Space and Advanced Air Mobility pavilions, a startup platform, and public festival — driving $202B in 2025 deal flow.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Trade Exhibition and Events

akta.pro primary industry

General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)

Keywords

• Aerospace trade exhibition
• Aviation trade show
• Defence exhibition
• Space industry conference
• Aerospace B2B event

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Exhibition Space Sales: Revenue generated from selling exhibition booth space to aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, space companies, and service providers. Multiple hall sizes and premium placements available.
2. Sponsorship Packages: Tiered sponsorship offerings including Diamond Partner, Conference Sponsors, Vista Sponsors, Wellness Partner, Official Timing Sponsor, and various category-specific sponsorships. Includes branding, speaking slots, and VIP access.
3. Public Tickets - SkyView: Public access to SkyView festival experience featuring flying displays, entertainment, and family activities. Standard tickets at AED 30, VIP tickets at AED 60 for enhanced access.
4. Experience Pass: Professional visitor Experience Pass at $149 providing full exhibition access, aircraft displays, conference sessions, Inspiration Zone, Wellness Zone, AAM Zone, Space Pavilion, Airshow After Dark, and curated tours.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dubai Airshow is a biennial aerospace and defence trade exhibition held at Dubai World Central (DWC), featuring over 1,500 exhibitors from 115 countries, more than 200 aircraft on display, and a multi-track conference programme with 350+ expert speakers. The event sells exhibition booth space to aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, and airlines; offers tiered corporate sponsorship packages; and runs a public-facing SkyView festival with tickets for individual visitors.

Product overview

Dubai Airshow is a major annual aerospace and defence trade exhibition held at Dubai World Central (DWC), organized by Informa Markets. The event is not a single unified software product but a portfolio of interconnected products and services: the core five-day trade exhibition (Dubai Airshow Exhibition) serving as the central platform, supported by a multi-track conference programme with twelve tracks and 350+ speakers (Dubai Airshow Conference Programme), dedicated sector showcases (Space Pavilion, Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion), the startup platform (Vista with 120+ startups and 50 investors), public-facing festival (SkyView), and various supplementary zones and experiences (Inspiration Zone, Wellness Zone, Training Academy, NextGen Leaders, Airshow After Dark, Party on the Runway, Aerospace Executive Club). A proprietary AI-powered matchmaking system embedded in the official event app provides personalized attendee connections. The event also offers curated delegation programmes and an extensive networking ecosystem. The 19th edition (2025) was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Vista: Startup platform for aerospace innovators and investors featuring over 120 global aerospace startups and 50 investors.
• SkyView
• Inspiration Zone
• Wellness Zone
• NextGen Leaders

Products and services

• Dubai Airshow Exhibition A five-day aerospace and defence trade exhibition held at Dubai World Central (DWC), featuring over 1,500 exhibitors from 115 countries, over 200 aircraft on display, and extensive displays across aviation, space, and defence sectors.
• Dubai Airshow Conference Programme A multi-track conference programme held over three stages with twelve conference tracks and over 350 expert speakers delivering more than 90 hours of live content covering defence, space, sustainability, Advanced Air Mobility, MRO, airports, airlines, workforce development, and cybersecurity.
• Space Pavilion The largest-ever dedicated space showcase at Dubai Airshow, featuring space technologies, high-level networking, asset displays, experience zones, delegation programmes, and startup investment opportunities. Supported by UAE Space Agency and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Pavilion A dedicated pavilion showcasing full-scale eVTOLs, drones, and AAM technologies. Features the Aviation Mobility Stage with exhibitors including Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, Autocraft, Eanan, and WeFly, alongside announcements and networking focused on air taxi and urban air mobility commercialisation.
• Vista Startup Platform The flagship startup platform for Dubai Airshow, bringing together over 120 global aerospace startups and 50 investors. Provides mentorship, pitch competitions, startup pitches, and access to grants and investment opportunities.
• SkyView Public Festival A public-facing festival experience combining live flying displays with family entertainment, STEM workshops, astronaut meet-and-greets, street food, theatre shows, and interactive experiences. Public tickets at AED 30 standard and AED 60 VIP.
• Experience Pass Professional visitor pass providing full exhibition access, aircraft displays, conference sessions, Inspiration Zone, Wellness Zone, Advanced Air Mobility Zone, Space Pavilion, Airshow After Dark, curated guided tours, SkyView, and Skybites Catering Village. Priced at $149.
• Dubai Airports Sustainability Showcase A world-first fully sustainable ground turnaround display led by Dubai Airports in collaboration with dnata, flydubai and over 30 industry partners. Features hourly guided tours and live demonstrations of electric ground handling equipment at Static Park S05.
• Aerospace Executive Club A C-suite networking platform hosting senior industry leaders to discuss trends and strategic collaboration opportunities.
• AI-Powered Matchmaking Programme An AI-powered matchmaking system within the official Dubai Airshow event app, connecting attendees with relevant peers and partners based on profile data.
• Official Event App The official Dubai Airshow mobile application providing event navigation, AI-powered matchmaking, exhibitor information, and digital event materials for attendees.
• Exhibition Space Sales Revenue-generating offering of booth space of multiple hall sizes and premium placements sold to aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, space companies, and service providers.
• Sponsorship Packages Tiered sponsorship offerings including Diamond Partner, Conference Sponsors, Vista Sponsors, Wellness Partner, Official Timing Sponsor, and various category-specific sponsorships. Includes branding, speaking slots, and VIP access.

Quantifiable outcome

• Deals totalling $202 billion announced at 2025 edition
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dubai Air Navigation ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2025Dubai Air Navigation Services signed a research partnership with Thales and Emirates Airline to improve air traffic efficiency in Dubai using AI-powered solutions. The project aims to reduce holding patterns at Dubai Airport by up to 40%, improving flight punctuality and reducing fuel consumption.
• Emirates AirlinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2025Emirates Airline participates in the Thales research partnership for AI-powered air traffic efficiency solutions. Partnership aims to reduce holding patterns by 40% and improve flight operations.
• Archer AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2025Archer Aviation partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Office for flying taxi operations in UAE. The partnership aims to launch commercial air taxi services in Abu Dhabi by early 2026, with Archer providing aircraft, pilots, technicians, and software infrastructure.
• Boeing VenturesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBoeing Ventures supports the Inspiration Zone at Dubai Airshow 2025, which aims to foster innovation, wellbeing, and leadership in aerospace with programs including Vista, Wellness experiences, NextGen Leaders, and women's leadership events.
• Dubai AirportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai Airports is a Strategic Partner of Dubai Airshow, supporting the event and contributing to conference tracks including Airport & Airline Keynotes. CEO Paul Griffiths participates as a keynote speaker.
• EDGE GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEDGE Group serves as Defence Technology Partner for Dubai Airshow, showcasing advanced defense technologies and participating in industry discussions.
• UAE Space AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUAE Space Agency is a Strategic Partner and supports the Space Steering Committee, Space Conference, and Space Pavilion at Dubai Airshow. The agency chairs the Space Steering Committee and drives space sector collaboration.
• Emirates AirlinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmirates Airline is a Supporting Partner and Official Travel Partner, providing airline services and participating in conference programs with President Sir Tim Clark as keynote speaker.
• Rove HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRove Hotel is the Official Hotel Partner, part of the Green Key Initiative for sustainable eco-friendly hotel operations. Partnership supports sustainability goals of the airshow.
• Dubai AirportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai Airports leads the Sustainability Showcase at Dubai Airshow 2025, collaborating with dnata, flydubai, and over 30 industry partners to display fully sustainable ground turnaround solutions including electric ground handling equipment.
• Joby AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoby Aviation has an exclusive agreement with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority for six years of operational rights to launch air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. Joby will supply, operate, and maintain aircraft while Skyports constructs vertiport infrastructure.
• Skyports InfrastructurecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkyports Infrastructure partners with Dubai to construct vertiport infrastructure for air taxi operations. Construction is underway on vertiport at Dubai International Airport, with additional vertiports planned near Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and American University of Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADIO collaborates with Archer Aviation to launch air taxi services in Abu Dhabi, providing investment support and ecosystem development including pilot training, MRO services, talent development, and manufacturing facility in Al Ain.
• Aeroporti di RomaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAeroporti di Roma participates in Airport & Airline Keynote Track, sharing expertise in innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Subsidiary UrbanV leads in vertiport development.
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCVG participates in Dubai Airshow conference program, showcasing passenger experience, airport technologies, sustainability, and Advanced Air Mobility initiatives.
• Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMBRSC supports Dubai Airshow space agenda, highlighting national priorities and international collaboration. The center contributes to Space Steering Committee and showcases breakthroughs in Earth observation and deep space exploration.
• Space42coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpace42 participates in Space Steering Committee and develops communication and Earth observation satellites. The company contributes to Geo-Informatics and Analytics platform for Earth observation data marketplace.
• Thales GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThales Group participates in Space Steering Committee and has signed research agreement with Dubai Air Navigation Services and Emirates Airline for AI-powered air traffic efficiency improvements.
• Airbus Defence and SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAirbus Defence and Space participates in Space Steering Committee and serves as Conference Sponsor, showcasing advanced aerospace technologies and defense capabilities.
• Technology Innovation Institute (TII)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTII participates in Space Steering Committee and contributes to EMA lander development, supporting UAE's deep space exploration ambitions.
• FADAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFADA participates in Space Steering Committee, contributing to UAE's space sector development and commercialization efforts.
• NEOMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEOM invests in Volocopter's eVTOL ecosystem as part of Saudi Arabia's advanced urban development, with flight tests in progress.
• One Giant Leap Middle EastminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne Giant Leap Middle East partners with SkyView to deliver STEM-aligned education program featuring rocket-making and astronaut-training workshops for ages 8-17.
• Virgin TicketsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVirgin Tickets serves as official ticketing partner for SkyView festival, handling public ticket sales for the aviation family festival.
• International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIAWA collaborates with Dubai Airshow on 'Future Flight: Powered by Women' program, supporting workforce development and inclusive initiatives.
• VolocoptercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolocopter partners with NEOM for eVTOL ecosystem development in Saudi Arabia, conducting flight tests as part of advanced urban mobility initiatives.
• BoeingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoeing serves as Conference Sponsor and Vista Sponsor, advancing AI and digital twin technologies in aviation. Pete Boeskov, Chief Engineer for Sim Engineering and Analytics, represents Boeing in industry discussions on predictive maintenance.
• K2 (Abu Dhabi)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerK2 subsidiary Autocraft showcases eVTOL innovation at Dubai Airshow, committed to mass-producing eVTOLs in Abu Dhabi to position UAE as global hub for advanced aviation manufacturing.
• InventechsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInventechs participates in Aviation Mobility Stage at Dubai Airshow, showcasing innovation in advanced air mobility sector.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bahrain International Airshow: A biennial aerospace event held at Sakhir Air Base in Bahrain, organized alongside UK Farnborough organizers. It is the closest geographic competitor for Gulf-based exhibitors, government delegations, and defense procurement stakeholders, making it a direct regional peer to Dubai Airshow.
• ILA Berlin Air Show: Germany's biennial aerospace trade exhibition with strong defense and civil aviation content. Operated under BDLI patronage, it competes for European defense primes and serves as a comparable format benchmark for the Dubai Airshow's defense and space content.
• Paris Air Show (SIAE/Le Bourget): The world's largest biennial aerospace and defense trade exhibition, alternating years with Farnborough. Operated by SIAE (GIFAS subsidiary) at Le Bourget Airport, it is the most established direct competitor to Dubai Airshow for global Tier-1 OEM, airline, and defense relationships and demonstrated deal-making status.
• Singapore Airshow: Asia-Pacific's largest biennial aerospace and defense trade exhibition, held at Changi Exhibition Centre. Comparable in B2B format, exhibitor scale, and dual commercial/defense focus; it directly competes for Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern OEMs and government delegations alongside Dubai Airshow.
• Farnborough International Airshow: The UK's flagship biennial aerospace trade show, alternating with Paris. Run by Farnborough International Ltd with Aerospace UK support, it targets the same global B2B exhibitor base and diplomatic delegation audience as Dubai Airshow, making the two events direct alternates in calendar years.

Regional players

• Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT): The world's largest military airshow, held annually at RAF Fairford in the UK. Comparable in aerospace focus and spectator/aircraft-display format, but with annual cadence and a primarily UK/naval-aviation defense audience, situating it as a regional rather than direct global B2B counterpart to Dubai Airshow.
• MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon: Russia's flagship biennial aerospace and air show held at Zhukovsky near Moscow. Same biennial trade show format with significant flying displays and exhibition halls, but its global reach is constrained by sanctions and geopolitical factors, making it primarily a regional rather than globally competing peer.
• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: The world's largest general aviation fly-in and trade show, held annually in Wisconsin, USA. Comparable as a major airshow with combined trade exhibition and public flying displays, but its general-aviation focus and US-centric audience make it a regional rather than direct B2B aerospace peer to Dubai Airshow.
• Aero India: India's biennial aerospace and defense exhibition held at Yelahanka, Bangalore. Comparable biennial airshow format but primarily serving the Indian market and South Asian defense customers, putting it in regional rather than direct global head-to-head with Dubai Airshow.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@dubaiairshow5655/videos
• Xx.com/dubaiairshow
• Facebookfacebook.com/DubaiAirshow
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dubai-airshow

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Dubai Airshow