Dubai Airshow raises the bar with unmatched line-up of aircraft and exhibitors

Dubai: The 19th edition of Dubai Airshow will be held from November 17 to 21 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai — and this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest in its history. Held once again at Dubai World Central (DWC), the 2025 edition carries the theme ‘The Future is Here,’ bringing together the world’s top minds and companies to map out the next era of aviation, defence and space.

What began decades ago as a regional exhibition has grown into one of the industry’s most influential gatherings. The Dubai Airshow is now where major deals are signed, new technologies are unveiled, and global leaders come together to discuss what’s next for flight. It’s also where the world gets a glimpse of the ideas and innovations that will shape airports, aircraft and air travel in the decades ahead.

This year, the scale is unprecedented. More than 1,500 exhibitors are confirmed, including 440 taking part for the first time. The show expects around 148,000 trade visitors and 490 delegations representing civil and military organisations from 115 countries. The site will feature 21 country pavilions — with Morocco participating for the first time — along with 98 chalets and an extra 8,000 square metres of exhibition space to accommodate growing demand. Start-ups will also have a strong presence, with more than 120 new innovators and 50 investors joining the line-up.

The flying and static displays, a favourite for industry professionals and aviation fans alike, will be the largest ever staged. More than 200 aircraft will be on show, ranging from commercial jets and private planes to advanced military assets, UAVs and next-generation tech. Visitors can expect to see Joby Aviation’s much-talked-about eVTOL aircraft, General Atomics’ CCA, the Bristell B23 915 IFR, and the newly added COMAC C919 and C929 — among many others.

A record-breaking space pavilion

The UAE’s growing role in global space exploration will also be on full display. This year’s Dubai Airshow features the biggest Space Pavilion in the event’s history, organised in partnership with the UAE Space Agency. The pavilion will bring together international space agencies, cutting-edge companies, emerging start-ups, academics and investors for five packed days of discussions, collaboration and demonstrations.

A two-day Space Conference will host more than 50 astronauts, scientists and industry thinkers who will explore responsible space use, new technologies and the future of exploration.

Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said the UAE’s progress is now drawing global attention. “Dubai Airshow has become a leading platform to showcase the UAE’s achievements in space,” he said. “The strong participation this year reflects worldwide confidence in our growing capabilities and the future we are building for a sustainable space economy.”

A sharper focus on sustainability

Sustainability is expected to be a defining theme across the event. Exhibitors will highlight the latest steps toward greener aviation — from Sustainable Aviation Fuel and electric-powered ground equipment to cleaner airport operations and energy-efficient technologies.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said this year’s Airshow will include a dedicated Airport and Airline Keynote Track for the first time, bringing together more than 450 global leaders in aviation. One of the major highlights will be a fully sustainable aircraft turnaround, carried out in partnership with dnata, flydubai and other partners — a world-first demonstration designed to show how cleaner operations can work at scale.

The Airshow itself will also follow environmentally friendly practices, including supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel to participating aircraft, using 100 per cent renewable electricity in exhibition halls, promoting reusable exhibition stands and offering hydration stations and greener visitor facilities.

Advanced air mobility takes flight

Dubai’s ambitions in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will take centre stage this year. For the first time, eVTOL aircraft — electric vertical take-off and landing models — will join the flying display. Joby Aviation’s aircraft is expected to be one of the key draws, as the AAM Pavilion gives visitors a closer look at the vehicles and technologies that could redefine urban travel.

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said the milestone signals Dubai’s leadership in preparing the regulatory landscape for these emerging technologies. “This marks a new era in urban air mobility,” he said. “We’re ready to show the world what the future of flight looks like.”

Bigger conferences, bolder ideas

The 2025 edition will also deliver its largest conference programme yet, with more than 450 speakers across four stages and 12 dedicated tracks. Themes will span the entire aerospace ecosystem — from maintenance and digital transformation to passenger experience, cybersecurity, airport tech and workforce development.

Major General Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Executive Director of the Military Committee for the Airshow, said the event remains a vital platform for defence cooperation and innovation. Several world-class aerobatic teams will perform throughout the week, showcasing precision, skill and operational capability.

New zones, start-up energy and night-time events

Innovation will be at the heart of the show. The new Inspiration Zone will bring early-stage founders, rising entrepreneurs and forward-thinking creatives into one space to pitch ideas and exchange insights. The returning Vista start-up hub will spotlight disruptive technologies across aerospace, defence and space, while the NextGen Leaders programme will highlight university research and the work of young innovators preparing to shape the industry’s future. A Wellness Zone will also offer a place to unwind amid the fast-paced environment.

This year, the experience extends into the evening for the first time. Night sessions will feature live entertainment, a drone show, and special events such as the “Party on the Runway” at Skydive Dubai and “Airshow After Dark,” with the venue staying open until 9pm.

The public SkyView arena will once again open its grandstand to visitors, offering front-row seats to the flying displays, pilot meet-and-greets, food trucks, live entertainment and a new VIP viewing area.

For five days, Dubai will become the centre of the global aviation world — a place where ideas, technology and inspiration come together. And as the theme suggests, the future isn’t approaching; it’s already here, and it’s unfolding at the Dubai Airshow.