Dubai 2001 generates deals worth $24.5b

Dubai 2001 which successfully concluded yesterday saw confirmed deals worth $18.5 billion and another $6 billion in follow-ups. This includes the $15 billion historic order announced by Emirates airline on the opening day.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, hosted Emir of Bahrain His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the air show. UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of Dubai Civil Aviation Department and Chairman of Emirates Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, were present.

Following their tour, Sheikh Ahmed said a third hall will be added under Sheikh Mohammed's directives to the Airport Expo complex to meet increasing demand by global companies. It will be ready for Dubai 2003.

Sheikh Ahmed said around 30,000 people visited the show this year. On the closing day itself, deals worth Dh462.5 million ($125 million) were signed by UAE Armed Forces for development of Puma aircraft with four companies - Romania's IAR, France's Turbomeca, and Rockwell Collins and Cubic Defence System of the United States.