Dubai Airshow: A Growing Hub for Aviation & Aerospace

We've previously reviewed the Paris International Air Show, and while top airshows usually take place in different years or locations, 2025 brings three major airshows to the calendar: Paris, Dubai, and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Now, let’s take a closer look at the Dubai Airshow.

Compared to Paris, Dubai Airshow is relatively smaller in scale as it continues to grow. However, this works in its favour, making it easier to navigate the venue and find key companies without feeling overwhelmed.

Getting There & Venue Access

Unlike other major airshows, Dubai doesn’t feel excessively crowded at the airport during the event period, thanks to the city’s ability to handle high visitor volumes. However, the real challenge is getting in and out of the venue.

• Taxis: During the first two days, many taxi drivers were unaware of the proper drop-off and pick-up points, leading to long walks, unnecessary detours, or even fines for the drivers. After two days, a dedicated taxi area was finally introduced, improving the experience.

• Public Transport: Some visitors opted for the metro and shuttles (as a shuttle was required after the metro), but travel times were longer than expected. Based on this, we wouldn’t recommend staying too far from the airshow site.

  
  

Your company may need to weigh time vs. cost when choosing accommodation. While hotels near the venue tend to be more expensive, staying closer saves valuable time. Alternatively, you could book a more affordable Airbnb nearby, but this means being far from city attractions, restaurants, and potential meeting spots. On the other hand, if you stay in DXB’s busier areas, be prepared to deal with traffic delays—so patience is key.

• Security Checks: Once at the venue, the long security lines each morning became another challenge. While security checks are essential, there were inconsistencies in procedures—some visitors were asked to remove shoes while others were not, even when wearing similar footwear. For those in business attire, a cleaner solution like disposable shoe covers would be helpful.

  
  

Positive Aspects of the Dubai Airshow

• Dining Options: Unlike some airshows where food areas are limited to grab-and-go stands, Dubai Airshow had more restaurant-style dining areas, providing better seating and variety. While you wouldn’t expect hundreds of food options at an airshow (as that’s not the focus), having a mix of proper cafés and beverage areas was a welcome feature.

• Compact & Well-Organized Layout: The venue’s layout is simple and easy to memorize, making it possible to remember where specific companies are located. This eliminates the need to rely on maps constantly and makes networking more efficient.

• Baggage Storage: While we didn’t personally need a baggage drop-off area this time, if there was one, let us know! This is an essential feature for all major airshows.

  
  

Business Opportunities & Industry Presence

When it comes to business opportunities, Dubai Airshow offers a well-balanced mix of defense, commercial aviation, and the broader aerospace ecosystem. This diversity ensures that attendees from various sectors find relevant exhibitors, partners, and networking prospects.

Beyond the business aspect, the airshow itself was impressive—from outdoor static displays showcasing the latest aircraft to the luxurious chalets offering exclusive hospitality and meeting spaces. Dubai Airshow is undoubtedly on a growth trajectory, and we have no doubt it will continue to attract even more aviation and aerospace professionals in the years to come.

Final Thoughts

While we’ve highlighted some challenges, these are expected at any large-scale event. No gathering of this size can run flawlessly, especially when dealing with thousands of attendees, complex logistics, and high-security operations. Traffic congestion, operational missteps, and minor inconveniences are part of the experience—but what truly matters is how they are addressed and improved for the future.

With its strategic location, strong industry participation, and continuous improvements, Dubai Airshow is solidifying its place among the world’s leading aviation events. If you haven’t attended yet, it’s certainly worth adding to your calendar.

Before I forget—there was a photographer who took my pictures at the airshow, but he never sent it to me! If you see this, remember me, and still have it—there you go... it’s me.

Dubai Airshow 2025 will take place from November 17-21 at DWC, Dubai Airshow Site. Visit https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/ for more information.