Dubai is set to welcome aviation leaders from across the globe as the 24th edition of the Airport Show opens tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum—Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group—the event brings together key stakeholders, decision-makers, and airport operators to explore the future of aviation.

Taking place from May 6 to 8, the event is the largest airport business platform for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, attracting over 6,000 participants from more than 30 countries. Attendees will discover the latest innovations in passenger experience, air traffic management, carbon reduction, sustainability, digital transformation, and urban air mobility.

This year’s edition features more than 140 exhibitors from over 20 countries, offering opportunities for networking and deals with 30+ qualified buyers representing 70 organizations across 30 nations. These include representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, and many more.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized the pivotal role of aviation in Dubai’s economic growth, stating: “Dubai International Airport has maintained its position as the world’s busiest for international passengers for the 11th consecutive year. Our aviation sector—from airports and airlines to broader infrastructure—remains a cornerstone of Dubai’s economic progress and global reach.”

He added: “Continuous investment in expanding and upgrading our airports has strengthened Dubai’s role as a global gateway. Over the past two decades, Dubai has provided the perfect environment for the Airport Show to grow into a leading industry platform, reflecting the city’s wider role in shaping the future of global aviation. With expansion plans underway at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, we are ushering in a new era of world-class airport development.”

Mohammed Abdullah Lengawi, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, expressed pride in participating: “The Airport Show provides a vital platform for industry leaders worldwide to collaborate, share knowledge, and drive innovation. Our participation reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its position as a global aviation hub, with a focus on safety, security, sustainability, and best practices.”

The event arrives at a time when the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia airport development market is valued at $1 trillion. The Middle East alone is projected to handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040. Across Africa, 24 airport infrastructure projects are currently underway, with Ethiopia constructing a new airport targeting 60 million passengers annually, and Senegal expanding Blaise Diagne International Airport to accommodate 10 million passengers per year. Rwanda’s new Kigali airport is under construction at a cost of $650 million.

South Asia is also witnessing rapid expansion, especially in India, which plans to build over 220 new airports by 2035, attracting an estimated $12 billion in investment by 2030.

A major focus of this year’s event is Dubai’s $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which will eventually handle 260 million passengers annually. Saudi Arabia is also building a $50 billion mega-airport in Riyadh, aiming for 300 million passengers by 2030—together representing nearly 80% of aviation infrastructure spending in the Middle East and North Africa.

Two key conferences will run alongside the exhibition: the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF) and the Middle East Airport Security Forum, along with sessions on air traffic control and women in aviation. Over 30 sessions and 70+ aviation experts and leaders are scheduled, covering the sector’s latest challenges, growth opportunities, and technological advancements.

As Sheikh Ahmed noted, the Airport Show has grown steadily since its launch in 2001, evolving into a premier platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and fostering innovation in aviation. This year’s edition promises to take industry partnerships and discussions to new heights, setting the stage for the airports of tomorrow.