Sheikh Mohammed tours Dubai Airshow with Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, also meets delegations at opening day of aviation event

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Dubai Airshow on Monday.

He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

Also receiving delegations at the event was Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

“The Dubai Airshow has established itself over more than three decades as the foremost event in the global aviation industry,” said Sheikh Mohammed, according to Dubai Media Office.

“Multibillion-dollar deals inked during the exhibition have strengthened the future of the global aviation sector and enabled it to navigate challenges.

“Dubai is the place where challenges turn into opportunities and adversity opens new pathways to success.”

An Emirates plane accompanied by the UAE's Al Fursan aerobatic team during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE craft flying in formation during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow. Pawan Singh / The National

The Italian Air Force during a display at the Dubai Air show at DWC in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A Bader 250 craft during the flying display at the Dubai Air show. Pawan Singh / The National

An F16-60 during a display at the Dubai Airshow. Pawan Singh / The National

Day one of the Dubai Airshow at Al Maktoum Airport. Antonie Robertson / The National

The Embraer stand. Antonie Robertson / The National

The SANAD stand. Antonie Robertson / The National

Exhibits on show on day one. Antonie Robertson / The National

The space agency stand at Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

Military aircraft on show. Leslie Pableo for The National

Visitors at Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

The engine of a plane on display at Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

The Dubai Police stand. Leslie Pableo for The National

Visitors looking at missiles at Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

An exhibit with a bird-themed paint scheme the Dubai Airshow at Dubai World Central. Pawan Singh / The National

A drone on display at the stand of UAE military technology company EDGE, at Dubai Airshow. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors at the Dubai Airshow. The event has attracted more than 1,400 exhibitors from 95 countries. Pawan Singh / The National

A helicopter on display at the Dubai Airshow. Pawan Singh / The National

An EDGE drone at Dubai Airshow. Pawan Singh / The National

An Etihad Airways passenger jet on display at Dubai Airshow. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE military aircraft at Dubai Airshow, Al Maktoum International Airport. Leslie Pableo for The National

Emirates crew with an Emirates plane at the Dubai Airshow, Al Maktoum International Airport. Leslie Pableo for The National

UAE military aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

Abu Dhabi Police aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

A flydubai plane at the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

Crew preparing an aircraft for Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

Emirates chalet at the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

Emirates planes on display at the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

Riyadh Air's chalet at Dubai Airshow, Al Maktoum International Airport. Leslie Pableo for The National

Visitors attend the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

A Boeing plane on display at the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

UAE military aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Leslie Pableo for The National

Thousands attended the first day of the air show at Al Maktoum International Airport on Monday, in the largest iteration of the event to date.

“The organisation of the 18th edition of the air show reflects Dubai’s emergence as a pre-eminent international aviation hub, serving as a platform uniting key stakeholders in the sector to present cutting-edge technologies that will influence the future of air travel,” said Sheikh Hamdan, according to Dubai Media Office.

“The showcased technologies and innovations at Dubai Airshow 2023 underscore the remarkable advancements in the aviation sector, with a central emphasis this year on fostering a more sustainable future for aviation.”

A number of high-profile deals were struck on the first day of the event.

Emirates, the world's biggest long-haul airline, placed an order for 95 additional Boeing 777X jets and Boeing 787 Dreamliners valued at $52 billion at list prices, for the replacement and growth of its fleet.

Emirates' sister airline flydubai kicked off the air show with an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners valued at $11 billion, marking its first order for wide-body jets.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attend the Dubai Airshow on Monday. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Flydubai is currently an all-Boeing operator of 737 narrow-bodies serving shorter-haul routes, with the new order signifying a diversification of its fleet.

“The Dubai Airshow is one of the most important events hosted by the UAE,” said Sheikh Khaled, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office.

“The UAE is keen to continue making a positive impact on the international stage across various sectors, including aviation.

“The country aims to strengthen its position as a platform enabling the world to unlock new stages of growth by leveraging its expertise and resources to play an influential role in achieving this goal.”