--- eventsindex_id: "EI-01508" slug: dubai-airshow title: "Dubai Airshow" title_alt: ["Dubai Air Show", "DAS", "DAS27"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/dubai-airshow.html" next_edition_year: 2027 date_start: "2027-11-15" date_end: "2027-11-19" venue: "DWC, Dubai Airshow Site" city: "Dubai" country: "United Arab Emirates" organiser: "Informa Markets" organiser_url: "https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence, aerospace, aviation] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, investor, policy] format: [exhibition, airshow, conference, matchmaking] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, policy, investment] geography_scope: [global] season: autumn meta_description: "Dubai Airshow, 15-19 Nov 2027, DWC Dubai. World's premier aerospace trade event: 248,788 visitors, 1,500+ exhibitors, USD 202bn in deals (2025)." editorial_take: "Dubai Airshow is the world's highest-volume aerospace and defence marketplace: the only trade show where a single five-day edition can catalyse USD 200 billion in orders, anchored by the Gulf's sovereign wealth and military procurement cycles." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 50/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # Dubai Airshow > *The Dubai Airshow is the world's largest and most commercially productive aviation, aerospace, and defence trade event, held biennially in November at the dedicated Dubai Airshow Site (DWC) in Dubai, UAE. Organised by Informa Markets, it brings together more than 1,500 exhibitors, 490 military and civil delegations from 115 countries, and 248,000+ visitors from across the globe. The 19th edition in November 2025 generated a record USD 202 billion in deals. The 20th edition is scheduled for 15-19 November 2027.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **15-19 November 2027** | **DWC, Dubai Airshow Site** | **Informa Markets** | **248,788 visitors (2025)** | | Biennial, 5 days | Dubai, UAE | Informa PLC subsidiary | 1,500+ exhibitors / 490 delegations (2025) | --- ## Definition The Dubai Airshow is a biennial international trade exhibition and airshow covering civil aviation, military aviation, aerospace, defence, and space, held at the purpose-built Dubai Airshow Site (adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, DWC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC (registered in England and Wales, No. 3099067), with strategic partners including the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, the UAE Ministry of Defence, and the UAE Space Agency. The show runs every two years in November. The 19th edition in November 2025 attracted 248,788 visitors, more than 1,500 exhibitors, 490 military and civil delegations from 115 countries, and 21 national pavilions, with total declared deal volume reaching a record USD 202 billion. The 20th edition is confirmed for 15-19 November 2027. ## History and growth The Dubai Airshow was established in 1989, when Dubai's leadership envisaged the event as a platform to project the emirate's growing role as a global aviation and trade hub. Over more than three decades, the show grew from a regional aerospace event into the world's largest commercial aerospace and defence marketplace by deal volume, outpacing traditional shows including Farnborough and Paris in contractual value generated per edition. A major infrastructure milestone came with the relocation of the show to the purpose-built Dubai Airshow Site at DWC (Dubai World Central / Al Maktoum International Airport), giving the event a dedicated static and flight-display area of exceptional size. The 2025 edition, the 19th, doubled the deal volume of 2023 (USD 101 billion) to reach USD 202 billion – the most commercially productive aerospace and defence trade show in history by this metric. ## The 2027 edition: the 20th and the largest yet The 20th edition, scheduled 15-19 November 2027, has been positioned by the organiser as the largest Dubai Airshow to date. The 2025 edition already incorporated an additional 8,000 square metres of display space across two major expansions, with 120 startups and 50 investors participating alongside the traditional prime contractor and airline exhibitor base. The 2027 edition is expected to build further on this expanded format. With 440 first-time exhibitors at the 2025 show (out of 1,500+ total), the pipeline of new exhibitors joining from emerging aerospace and defence markets – including Asian and African participants – continues to broaden the show's global footprint. Registration of interest for 2027 is open at dubaiairshow.aero/contact-us/. ## Where Dubai Airshow sits in the global aerospace and defence calendar Dubai Airshow occupies the autumn slot in the biennial global aerospace trade show cycle, alternating with Paris Air Show (June, odd years) and complementing Farnborough Airshow (July, even years). In the defence exhibition calendar, it is the only major show combining civil aviation, military aviation, and space in a single platform at this scale, and is the dominant event for Middle East, South Asia, and Africa-sourced aerospace procurement decisions. For Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) defence procurement specifically, the Dubai Airshow is the pre-eminent commercial gathering, attracting GCC air forces, navies, and army aviation commands alongside the global prime contractors supplying them. ## Who attends Dubai Airshow The exhibitor base spans the full global aerospace and defence industry: civil aircraft manufacturers (Boeing, Airbus and the major OEMs), military aircraft and systems primes, engine manufacturers, MRO providers, avionics companies, defence electronics firms, satellite and space companies, airport infrastructure suppliers, and a growing cohort of deep tech and UAV startups. The 490 delegations from 115 countries (2025) include heads of air force, chiefs of defence staff, ministers of defence, and senior procurement officers. Civil aviation delegations include airline CEOs, airport directors, and civil aviation authority representatives. The 248,788 visitors encompass industry executives, procurement officials, media, and trade professionals from around the world. ## What the Dubai Airshow format includes Dubai Airshow combines a static ground exhibition with an outdoor static aircraft display and a daily flight demonstration programme. Indoor exhibition halls host defence electronics, avionics, space, and smaller systems exhibitors. Chalets (98 in 2025) line the flight line and serve as premium hosting and meeting spaces for major primes and government clients. The conference programme covers aerospace industry trends, defence policy, sustainability, and space. Networking functions including VIP dinners and delegation receptions take place throughout the five-day show. The organiser, Informa Markets, manages logistics, accreditation, and chalet allocation. A dedicated startup zone (120 startups in 2025) and investor programme (50 investors in 2025) have been added to the format in recent editions. ## What Dubai Airshow covers Core exhibition and programme domains: - **Civil aviation:** commercial aircraft (widebody, narrowbody, regional), business aviation, helicopters, general aviation - **Military aviation:** fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, military helicopters, trainer aircraft, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) - **Unmanned systems:** UAVs, UCAVs, counter-drone systems, autonomous platforms - **Defence systems:** land and naval defence systems with air interfaces, air defence, missiles - **Space:** commercial satellites, launch vehicles, ground systems, dual-use space technology - **MRO:** aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, component supply - **Avionics and electronics:** cockpit systems, radar, communications, EW systems - **Airports and infrastructure:** airport design, ground support equipment, air traffic management - **Sustainability:** sustainable aviation fuels, electric propulsion, emissions reduction technology - **Startups and innovation:** emerging aerospace and defence technology companies ## The 2025 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Edition | 19th | | Dates | 17-21 November 2025 | | Total visitors | 248,788 | | Exhibitors | 1,500+ | | First-time exhibitors | 440 | | Military and civil delegations | 490 | | Delegation countries | 115 | | National pavilions | 21 | | Chalets | 98 | | Startups | 120 | | Investors | 50 | | Total deals declared | USD 202 billion | | Previous edition deals (2023) | USD 101 billion | | Additional display space (2025) | 8,000 sq m | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is Dubai Airshow open to the general public? Dubai Airshow is primarily a trade event. The show is open to qualified industry professionals and accredited media. A public airshow day or public access element has been offered in some editions but the core event is B2B trade-focused. Check dubaiairshow.aero for visitor category rules for the 2027 edition. ### How does Dubai Airshow compare to Paris Air Show and Farnborough? By deal volume, Dubai Airshow has become the world's largest aerospace trade show: the 2025 edition generated USD 202 billion in deals, more than double the combined deal volume of comparable Paris and Farnborough editions. By visitor numbers (248,788 in 2025) and exhibitor count (1,500+), it is comparable in scale to Paris and Farnborough. Its distinctive advantages are the Gulf region's buying power, the co-location of civil aviation and military procurement, and the growing role of Asian and African aerospace procurement. Paris and Farnborough retain stronger European prime contractor and policy presences. ### What is the DWC venue and how does it work as an airshow site? DWC (Dubai World Central) is the district surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, which serves as both the flight operations base and the ground display area for the show. The site offers a very large outdoor static park for full-size aircraft, helicopter, and UAV displays, a dedicated flight line for aerial demonstrations, and large indoor halls for electronics, systems, and smaller exhibitors. The scale of the site enables simultaneous accommodation of transport aircraft, commercial widebodies, military fast jets, and helicopters in static display. --- ## The venue: DWC, Dubai Airshow Site The Dubai Airshow Site is located at Dubai World Central (DWC), adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport (IATA: DWC), in the Jebel Ali / South Dubai area, approximately 35-40 km south of downtown Dubai and 40 km from Dubai International Airport (DXB). The site is purpose-built for the show and includes indoor exhibition halls, outdoor static aircraft parks, a flight line, VIP chalets, and all associated event infrastructure. Ground transport from Dubai International Airport (DXB) takes approximately 40-45 minutes by taxi or private car via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Public transport options are limited; the organiser arranges official shuttle services from central Dubai hotels during show days. Parking is available on-site for accredited exhibitors and delegations. ## The organiser: Informa Markets Informa Markets is a global trade exhibition organiser and a division of Informa PLC (5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG; registered in England and Wales, No. 3099067). Informa Markets organises more than 550 events per year across multiple industry verticals globally. Dubai Airshow is its flagship aerospace and defence event. Informa Markets is listed on the London Stock Exchange as part of Informa PLC. The organiser works with strategic UAE government partners including GCAA, DCAA, Dubai Airports, the UAE Ministry of Defence, the UAE Space Agency, and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to deliver the event under official UAE government endorsement. Supporting partners include Emirates airline, Dubai Police, the UAE Ministry of Interior, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. --- ## Editorial take *Dubai Airshow is the world's highest-volume aerospace and defence marketplace: the only trade show where a single five-day edition can catalyse USD 200 billion in orders, anchored by the Gulf's sovereign wealth and military procurement cycles.* --- ## How to register and what it costs For the 2027 edition, registration of interest is open at dubaiairshow.aero/contact-us/. The 2025 exhibitor and visitor registration was managed through the Informa Markets platform at dubaiairshow.aero. Stand and chalet pricing is set by Informa Markets and is not publicly disclosed; contact the organiser for 2027 pricing and space availability. Visitor accreditation for industry professionals is typically free of charge for qualified trade visitors; check the organiser's website for the 2027 visitor accreditation process when it opens. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### How do I get from Dubai to the show venue? The DWC site is approximately 40 km south of central Dubai. Taxi is the most practical option from downtown Dubai or Dubai International Airport (DXB), costing approximately AED 80-120 and taking 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. The organiser provides official shuttle buses from designated central hotels during show days. Uber and Careem are also available. Driving to the venue is possible; parking is available for accredited exhibitors. Note that Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is a separate airport from Dubai International (DXB). ### What visas do I need to attend Dubai Airshow? Most nationalities can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for a fee, or qualify for visa-free entry for 30-90 days depending on passport. Citizens of countries requiring advance visas should apply through the UAE embassy in their country. Informa Markets typically provides invitation letters to assist exhibitors and delegates with visa applications. Confirm current UAE visa rules with your government's travel guidance. ### Is security clearance required for military systems on display? Yes. Military hardware and dual-use technology require prior export licensing and approval from the exporting country and compliance with UAE import regulations. Exhibitors planning to display controlled military equipment should engage their national export licensing authority and the UAE Ministry of Defence well in advance (typically 6-12 months before the show). --- ## First time at Dubai Airshow? How to prepare - **Apply for accreditation as early as possible.** Exhibitor space allocation at Dubai Airshow is managed through Informa Markets and popular stand locations and chalet positions fill months in advance. Register your interest at dubaiairshow.aero. Trade visitor accreditation typically opens 3-4 months before the event; submit your application promptly. - **Book accommodation immediately when confirmed.** Dubai hotels near DWC (Jebel Ali area) and those on the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor fill extremely quickly once Dubai Airshow is announced. Book accommodation the moment you commit to attending; central Dubai hotels are a valid option but require 45+ minutes of daily travel. - **Plan your delegation meetings before arrival.** With 490 official delegations in attendance, the most senior military and government decision-makers have fully booked diaries before the show opens. Identify your target contacts through your country's defence attache or embassy in Dubai and request meetings weeks ahead. - **Attend the flight demonstrations daily.** The Dubai Airshow flight display programme – including military fast jets, commercial aircraft, and increasingly UAV demonstrations – is among the best in the world and changes each day. Build 90-120 minutes per day into your schedule for the flight line. - **Navigate the chalet line strategically.** The chalets hosting major primes (Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Airbus Defence, etc.) are where senior executive and procurement meetings happen. Arrange chalet meetings in advance through contacts; walk-ins to occupied chalets during show hours are difficult. - **Dress for heat and humidity.** Dubai in November has pleasant weather by local standards (25-30 C, low humidity), but the outdoor airfield site means several hours of walking on tarmac and grass. Comfortable business shoes, sunglasses, and a hat are practical investments. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/ | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/dubai-airshow/ | | X | https://x.com/dubaiairshow | | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dubai_airshow_official/ | | Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DubaiAirshow/ | | YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTlWJ6jUrVdFG02Cz45hudA | | Register interest (2027) | https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/contact-us/ | | Sponsors and partners | https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/sponsors-partners/ | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2027-01-10 **Notes:** 2025 edition figures (248,788 visitors, 1,500+ exhibitors, 440 first-time exhibitors, 490 delegations, 115 countries, 21 national pavilions, 98 chalets, 120 startups, 50 investors, USD 202 billion deals) are organiser-declared, sourced from UAE Media Office press release (mediaoffice.ae, November 2025) and Informa Markets official website. 2027 edition dates (15-19 November 2027) confirmed on dubaiairshow.aero. Organiser details sourced from dubaiairshow.aero footer (Informa PLC registered address and company number). Strategic partner logos sourced from official site footer. **Variables:** 50/58 **Concept definition:** applicable