President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, joined thousands of visitors on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow.
An estimated 148,000 people and more than 1,500 exhibitors are expected to take part in a week-long event, which will put the future of the aviation industry in the spotlight.
Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the latest cutting-edge technology, products and services on display at the showpiece event at Dubai World Central.
“The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading global aviation hub, shaping new horizons for the industry’s progress,” Sheikh Mohammed said ahead of the event on Sunday.
“The Dubai Airshow will show the latest innovations in airport and aviation technologies, with more than 200 state-of-the-art aircraft on display across commercial and military sectors. This year’s event will also feature a dedicated exhibition and conference on space technologies.”
The gathering will highlight how emerging technology is being harnessed to shape the future of air transport and turn what once seemed distant dreams into a reality.
Dubai Airshow – in pictures
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A display by the Airbus 350 at the Dubai Airshow. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The event is attracting lots of delegates to Al Maktoum International Airport -
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and group, at a media conference at the event -
The Rafale fighter jet is worth a watch as it takes to the skies above Dubai -
Brad McMullen, left, from Boeing and Yankoba Dieme from Air Senagal sign an agreement -
An air defence system on display -
The UAE's Al Fursan aerobatic team put on a display -
Emirates cabin crew arrive -
The Omen drone is displayed at the Edge stand -
Visitors arrive for the event, which is pivotal for airlines in the Middle East -
Abu Dhabi's Edge is among the companies exhibiting technology at the event -
A turboprop engine. Companies use the event to meet plane makers, engine manufacturers and seat suppliers -
Visitors take a closer look at an Emirates Boeing 777 -
A model of a MAH-1 Marine attack helicopter. It is among the aircraft in the spotlight at the exhibition -
A spacesuit worn by SpaceX astronauts -
Model rockets at the Innospace stand. Space technology is in focus at the air show
Dubai's role as a launch pad for flying taxis, which are poised to begin commercial services in 2026, will be top of the agenda.
Visitors will witness electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, including Joby Aviation’s eVTOL model taking to the skies as part of a spectacular flying display.
“This milestone reflects Dubai’s ambition to lead in advanced air mobility and progressive regulatory frameworks, ensuring the safest transition of emerging technologies,” said Mohammed Lengawi, director general of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. “We are excited to showcase the future of flight to the world.”
The Dubai Airshow runs until Friday, November 21.
