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His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council inaugurated the three-day event which runs through October 14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The opening ceremony drew senior government officials aviation leaders and industry representatives as the show marked its silver jubilee under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. Sheikh Mansoor visited pavilions featuring participants such as Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Smiths Detection Empower Schneider Electric dnata and the German Pavilion according to an Emirates 24|7 report on the proceedings.
During the inauguration Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub through the development of advanced infrastructure and the adoption of innovative technologies that enhance efficiency competitiveness and sustainable growth. RX the organiser reported that the gathering has assembled more than 150 airport solution providers alongside an expected 6000 aviation decision-makers from across the MEASA region. The exhibits focus on airport build installations operations security technology ground support equipment and passenger experience enhancements the company added in event materials.
Co-located with the exhibition are the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum and the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference and Awards which bring together airport CEOs civil aviation directors and industry experts for discussions on sustainability biometric systems and regional hub competition. RX data places the 25th edition as a milestone that builds on two decades of facilitating multi-billion-dollar airport projects and technology partnerships across the Middle East Africa and South Asia. The forum sessions address next-generation solutions for smarter greener airport operations according to the official programme outlined on theairportshow.com.
Dubai’s aviation expansion plans formed a key backdrop to the event with Dubai Airports executive chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum highlighting progress on Al Maktoum International Airport. The first phase is scheduled to begin operations in 2032 with capacity for 150 million passengers annually while full completion targets 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year Emirates 24|7 reported. This development aligns with broader efforts to position Dubai as a leading global connector through infrastructure that incorporates the latest in digital and sustainable technologies.
Since its inception the Airport Show has grown into the premier B2B platform for airport innovation in the MEASA region with RX noting that prior editions have driven significant contracts in infrastructure and technology adoption. An earlier RX announcement confirmed the shift of the 2026 edition from May to October to ensure maximum participation and confidence among attendees following reviews of regional conditions. The event continues to draw international suppliers with dedicated pavilions highlighting regional and global advancements in airfield construction smart terminals energy systems and IT solutions.
