Sheikh Khaled and Sheikh Hamdan attend aerial display at the Dubai Airshow 2025

Dubai: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and the Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, attended the opening aerial display of the 19th Dubai Airshow, which is running at Dubai World Central until 21 November. The show brings together some of the world’s most advanced military and commercial aircraft, reinforcing its position as one of the leading aviation events globally.

Leaders praise innovation and global participation

The two Crown Princes commended the scale and quality of the aerial displays, noting that the cutting-edge technologies showcased reflect the rapid progress of the global aviation industry. They said the Dubai Airshow continues to play a key role in connecting international manufacturers, fostering new partnerships and offering a platform to highlight the latest capabilities in both civil and defence aviation.

High-impact performances

The first day delivered a full programme of flight demonstrations, starting with a formation by UAE aircraft followed by a dynamic show from the Emirates Falcons aerobatic team.

Visitors then witnessed displays from the futuristic JOBY aircraft, the Rafale fighter jet, the B-52 strategic bomber and the F-35, one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.

The line-up also included a demonstration by the Boeing 777X and the F-16, a mainstay fighter jet operated by air forces around the world.

International teams

Adding to the spectacle, India’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team delivered a precision display, while China’s COMAC 919 made its Dubai Airshow debut, drawing strong international attention.

Other aircraft featured in the programme included the KA-52 attack helicopter, the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter, the UAE-built Bader 250 trainer, the Mirage 2000-9, the Airbus A350, the TEJAS light combat aircraft and the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The aerial programme concluded with a full display by Morocco’s “Marche Verte” aerobatic team, rounding off a day that highlighted the depth, diversity and technological excellence shaping today’s aviation landscape.