The 18th edition of Dubai Airshow is set to take place from Nov. 13 to Nov.17 2023 at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. Dubai Airshow has grown immensely in significance and influence over the years, highlighted by the success of the November 2021 edition, which saw more than $74 billion worth of deals announced during the mega event.

It welcomed more than 104,000 attendees and witnessed a 50 percent increase in trade visitors, which included global senior executives from 148 countries.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the event is supported by key aviation industry stakeholders including Dubai Airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and the UAE Space Agency.

The latest edition will focus on showcasing the sustainability initiatives and technologies from government entities and the wider aerospace industry, further reinforcing the UAE’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable circularity ahead of COP28 summit in Dubai.

Across the country, industry players continue to invest in new projects and initiatives such as Emirates operating its first demo flight powered with 100 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Dubai Airports implementing efficiencies and innovative solutions to limit its environmental impact.

Significant growth is also expected within aerial mobility, with Dubai pledging to launch flying taxis in 2026, advancements in electric and hybrid eVTOL’s and the DCAA publishing the world’s first national regulations related to vertiports.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said, “Dubai remains the epicentre of confidence, innovation and growth of the global aviation sector, representing our position as a leading international aviation and aerospace hub.”

“During The Year of Sustainability in the UAE, Dubai Airshow 2023 will bring together leading stakeholders from the aerospace and defence sectors to create pathways for sustainable industry practices, as we collectively work to create greater connectivity and efficiency,” he added.

Dubai Airshow will see industry trailblazers and innovators gather to identify future trends and further opportunities to continue these efforts. Other key themes include space technologies, localisation through the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative and the role of start-ups and their invaluable contribution in implementing sustainability goals.

Dubai Airshow, in partnership with the Defence Services Marketing Council (DSMC), recently held its first Advisory Board meeting which included senior members from the entire ecosystem of aerospace, space and defence to drive the agenda of the Airshow and support the sustainable growth of the global industry.

Opened by Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, the Advisory Board focused on a range of topics including the priorities of the UAE National 2023 objectives, and in particular the aviation, space and defence sectors, to continue driving the themes for this year’s Airshow forward.

Other new features at Dubai Airshow 2023 include an enhanced conference agenda that will span across key topics such as the future of flight, passenger experience and the inaugural Air Worthiness and Safety Conference, an invite-only conference hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence.

At Dubai Airshow 2023, space will be amplified through initiatives including a dedicated Space experience zone, a space delegation programme, together with an enhanced 2-day content programme. This will host its biggest Space pavilion to date, where leading organisations will showcase the latest space technologies and solutions, highlighting their role in driving innovation and sustainability across the space sector.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Airport welcomed a delegation from the Arab Civil Aviation Organisation (ACAO) that examined various impactful initiatives, practices, and strategies undertaken at the Airport to achieve sustainability.

The parties also exchanged expertise and knowledge in the field of sustainability, highlighting the airport’s commitment to social responsibility, which has been reflected in the extensive adoption of sustainable practices throughout its operations.

The delegation featured various sustainability experts from the UAE and other Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, and Libya, who gave insights into how vital sustainability is to the future of any business.

The service providers and representatives of Sharjah Airport Authority emphasised the unwavering commitment of the Airport in adopting environmentally responsible methods and practices, so as to ensure their contributions to the sustainable development of the world.

The representatives further highlighted the Airport’s future plans that would strengthen its roots in a sustainable operating model. As part of this, the Airport Authority underlined its recycling practices to lower resource consumptions, which significantly helped them achieve the “Final Level 3+” of Carbon Emission Certification in the Zero Emission Level.

In addition, the delegation conducted a field trip at the airport’s wastewater treatment plant to evaluate its capacity as well as delve into the green practices and procedures adopted in the treatment processes at the facility. This provided the delegation with inputs into the airport’s rigorous efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability.

WAM