Airport Show takes off in Dubai with broad global participation
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, opened on Tuesday the 24th edition of Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which will run till May 8, 2025.
He toured the B2B exhibition pavilions accompanied by top aviation officials and industry stakeholders and engaged with various exhibitors and learning more about the latest technologies shaping the airport industry.
More than 6,000 trade visitors from 30 countries are attending the Middle East, Africa and South Asia's (MEASA) largest airport industry B2B platform to explore innovations and technologies that shape future airports including advances in enhancing the passenger experience, airport traffic management, airport carbon-reduction and sustainability, digitalization, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
The three-day dedicated airport industry platform welcomes participation by 140 exhibitors from 22 countries who will meet, network and do business with highly-qualified 150+ buyers from over 70 organisations from 30 countries.
This year's Airport Show is opened in the wake of the Middle East and neighbouring regions experiencing a significant surge in airport expansion projects, driven by a robust recovery in global aviation and optimistic projections for passenger growth.
With expectations to handle approximately 1.1 billion passengers annually by 2040 — up from 405 million in 2019 — the Middle East is investing heavily in infrastructure to meet this demand. HH Sheikh Ahmed remarked: 'Dubai's aviation sector is on a clear upward trajectory, driven by infrastructure expansion and the adoption of new technologies. As major contributors to our economy and global connectivity, both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of air travel through 2030s and beyond, delivering world-class performance and operational excellence. We remain firmly on our journey of progress, with many more milestones ahead in strengthening Dubai's global reputation.
'Since 2001, the Airport Show has had a long-standing presence in Dubai, and I am confident that this 24th edition will further support the growth of the regional aviation industry. I wish the organisers and participants every success as we look ahead to a landmark Silver Jubilee edition in 2026.' There are two conferences – Global Airport Leaders' Forum, and Women in Aviation Middle East Conference – co-located with 30+ sessions and 70+ aviation leaders and expert speakers.
The 12th Global Airport Leader's Forum (GALF) designed to take forward the aviation knowledge-enhancement agenda with keynote speeches from Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), HE Abdulla Al Shamsi, Director of Engineering, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and HE Ahmad Ali Belqaizi, Executive Director, Aviation Safety and Environment Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).
Also co-located is the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter's Conference and Awards taking place on the third day of Airport Show. This year's new attractions include the GSE Zone, Airport Tech Pavilion, and Airport Design Hub.
Being held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Airport Show is organised by RX, a global company that organizes about 350 events across the world, to provide participants valuable insights into issues and technologies shaping the airports in the ever-evolving competitive global business landscape.
The Airport Show is designed to serve the US$1 trillion airport development market in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.
May Ismail, Event Manager at RX Middle East, said the Airport Show has been growing each passing year as it is tailored to the needs and requirements that the airports and related domains require. Through making the availability of futuristic products and services, the Airport Show continues to serve this progressive industry a great B2B platform.' Global technology majors are showcasing the latest innovative products and services that improve efficiency and performance of the aviation industry.
Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Countries, Schneider Electric, said: 'We are proud to be the 'Technology Partner' for the Airport Show showcasing our latest integrated solutions for the aviation industry from facility management to passenger experience and how we help airports around the world reduce their environmental impact'.
'Our presence at the Show reflects Schneider Electric's deep commitment to shaping the future of aviation through digitalization and electrification. As the aviation industry in the Middle East experiences unprecedented growth, our strategic objective is to empower airports to scale efficiently — with intelligent, secure, and resilient systems that elevate the passenger experience.
More than 6,000 trade visitors from 30 countries are attending the Middle East, Africa and South Asia's (MEASA) largest airport industry B2B platform to explore innovations
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tourism Breaking News
3 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Seamless, Smart, and Sustainable: Honeywell's Vision for the Future of Airport Operations
Post Views: 441 As global airports continue to evolve to meet growing passenger demand and sustainability targets, Honeywell is at the forefront of shaping that transformation. TravTalkME speaks with Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation, on the sidelines of the Airport Show about the technologies which help achieve the seamless and smart services for the passengers. At the Airport Show this year, Honeywell showcased its suite of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance airport efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental responsibility. 'Our focus is based on three strategic pillars: delivering a seamless passenger journey, ensuring resilient operations, and accelerating the path to net zero,' said Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation. 'We're showcasing several innovations that are already making a significant impact in airports around the world.' A Seamless Journey: Follow the Green One of Honeywell's standout solutions is Navitas, the 'Follow the Green' technology. This system enables aircraft to taxi from runway to gate in the most efficient and safe manner possible. 'Navitas helps reduce downtime and fuel consumption, improving turnaround time while significantly cutting carbon emissions,' explained Cheqroun. Complementing this is Honeywell's latest Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS), which ensures precise docking of aircraft. 'Accuracy is critical in airport operations, and VDGS provides pilots with exact guidance to reach the correct gate position,' he added. Unified Airport Intelligence Honeywell also emphasizes integration with its Command and Control Suite, a platform that connects building management systems, fire safety, and security infrastructure. This unified view streamlines airport operations both landside and airside, enabling quicker response times and optimized resource management. 'Our Enterprise Building Integration (EBI) solution is built to manage complex airport environments. Whether it's lighting, HVAC, or emergency response, EBI brings everything under one intelligent dashboard,' said Cheqroun. Predictive Maintenance & Energy Efficiency In the realm of sustainability, Honeywell brings a tangible edge. Around 40% of its equipment is made using sustainable sources, and its building automation focuses heavily on energy efficiency and predictive maintenance. 'Our FORGE platform is agnostic, meaning it can integrate with any manufacturer's hardware,' noted Cheqroun. 'It uses data analytics to monitor asset performance and predict failures before they occur, helping operators maximize lifecycle value without impacting airport operations.' These capabilities not only support environmental goals but also reduce operational costs by optimizing energy use and improving system reliability. Supporting Regional Growth Honeywell's legacy in the region spans over seven decades, and that deep understanding of local market needs gives it a significant advantage. 'We've co-developed technologies with airport authorities in the region. That collaboration has allowed us to tailor our solutions to the specific climate, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements,' said Cheqroun. 'For airport operators looking to modernize, our long-standing presence and experience make Honeywell a trusted partner.' Looking Ahead While the focus at the Airport Show was primarily on airport operations, Honeywell's technologies also contribute to the cargo sector, offering similar operational and sustainability benefits. As airports expand to meet the demands of rising air cargo volumes, such solutions will play an even greater role. In closing, Cheqroun reinforced the company's commitment: 'Honeywell is not just showcasing technology. We are enabling airports to operate smarter, greener, and more efficiently—from gate to runway to terminal.' For stakeholders in airport infrastructure and operations across the Middle East and beyond, Honeywell's integrated solutions represent a comprehensive, future-ready approach to aviation.
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Arabian Business
Serco secures $134.8mn contract extension with Dubai Airports
The 96 million visitors expected to go through Dubai Airports this year, and many more in the future, can expect the same level of guest experience that has made it one of the most popular airports in the world, after Serco said it has been granted a significant contract extension to its contract. The new five-year contract with Dubai Airports is valued at AED 495 million (US$134.8 million) and runs until December 2030. The British company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, has over 75 years of experience in the region's aviation sector and continues to support airports across the region with guest experience, air navigation services, emergency services, training, facilities and asset management. This follows a longstanding guest experience partnership of over six years. Serco was awarded an initial five-year term and a one-year extension. Elevating Dubai Airports' guest experience Serco will continue to provide guest experience services across all elements of the passenger journey at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). This includes the deployment of guest experience ambassadors, passenger processing teams, traffic marshals, buggy drivers, chauffeurs, and lounge hosts for VIP services. Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East and +impact, commented: 'The latest extension allows us to build on the success we have enjoyed with Dubai Airports over the last six years, supporting Dubai in delivering a best-in-class aviation hub. 'Dubai Airports continues to set global benchmarks for airport experiences, and we are extremely proud to be part of that journey, helping to shape passenger services through expertly trained teams, innovative solutions, and our customer experience expertise.' Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: 'This renewed partnership with Serco comes at a time when guest expectations are higher than ever, and the scale of our operations continues to grow. 'At DXB and DWC, we see every interaction as an opportunity to create a positive and lasting impression. Serco's dedicated teams are an extension of that vision, bringing professionalism, empathy, and consistency to some of the most crucial touchpoints along the journey. As we look ahead to welcoming more that 96 million guests this year, this collaboration will play a key role in ensuring our airports remain among the most guest-centric in the world.' Serco currently has more than 1,500 employees operating at the airports. Anthony Kirby, Serco's Group Chief Executive Officer, added: 'This significant retention indicates our continued superb delivery of customer experience to Dubai Airports. I am very proud of our expertly trained people who work with passion and commitment to provide great services and innovative solutions at this best-in-class aviation hub. 'Cementing our ongoing relationship until at least 2030 will allow us to grow our services from this contract and deploy our capabilities across our transport business.'
Web Release
4 days ago
- Web Release
Serco Secures AED 495 million Contract Extension with Dubai Airports to Deliver World-Class Guest Experience Services
Serco has announced a significant contract extension with Dubai Airports, valued at AED 495 million (£100 million) and running until December 2030. The five-year extension builds on a longstanding guest experience partnership over six years, following the successful delivery of an initial five-year term and a one-year extension. As part of the agreement, Serco will continue to provide guest experience services across all elements of the passenger journey at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). This includes the deployment of guest experience ambassadors, passenger processing teams, traffic marshals, buggy drivers, chauffeurs, and lounge hosts for VIP services. With more than 1,500 Serco employees currently operating at the airports, the team plays a pivotal role in supporting the movement of over 93 million passengers per year, helping to deliver a seamless, safe, and welcoming experience for travellers, from arrival to departure. Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East and CEO of +impact, said: 'The latest extension allows us to build on the success we have enjoyed with Dubai Airports over the last six years, supporting Dubai in delivering a best-in-class aviation hub. Dubai Airports continues to set global benchmarks for airport experiences, and we are extremely proud to be part of that journey, helping to shape passenger services through expertly trained teams, innovative solutions, and our customer experience expertise.' Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports said: 'This renewed partnership with Serco comes at a time when guest expectations are higher than ever, and the scale of our operations continues to grow. At DXB and DWC, we see every interaction as an opportunity to create a positive and lasting impression. Serco's dedicated teams are an extension of that vision, bringing professionalism, empathy, and consistency to some of the most crucial touchpoints along the journey. As we look ahead to welcoming more that 96 million guests this year, this collaboration will play a key role in ensuring our airports remain among the most guest-centric in the world.' Serco has over 75 years of experience in the region's aviation sector and continues to support airports across the region with guest experience, air navigation services, emergency services, training, facilities and asset management. For more information visit
