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Dubai Airshow 2025 launches as world’s largest edition yet, with eVTOL debut, mega space pavilion and 1,500 exhibitors

Dubai Airshow 2025 opens as its largest edition yet, featuring eVTOL flying taxis, a record space pavilion, and 1,500 global exhibitors

Dubai Airshow 2025

Dubai Airshow 2025 is set to open at Dubai World Central under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marking the largest and most innovation-focused edition in the event’s history.

Bringing together global aviation, defence, space and advanced mobility leaders, the show reinforces the UAE’s ambition to remain a world-class hub for next-generation technologies.

Sheikh Mohammed said the Dubai Airshow reflects the UAE’s forward-looking vision and sustained investment in aviation, space and defence innovation.

Dubai Airshow 2025

He noted that the event has become a preferred global platform for developing new solutions, strengthening partnerships and supporting sustainable growth across key sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed said: “Over the years, Dubai Airshow has established itself as one of the world’s leading aerospace and technology platforms, recording an ever-expanding turnout and attracting major international companies and organisations.

“It has become a preferred destination for unveiling the latest innovations and technologies, and an open laboratory for advancing ideas that are redefining the future of vital industries.”

He added that the exhibition embodies the UAE’s commitment to building an integrated aviation system, supporting the knowledge economy and investing in science and technology to safeguard the future.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed global experts, senior officials and decision-makers arriving from more than 115 countries for the show.

Record scale

The 19th edition hosts:

  • 1,500+ exhibitors
  • 440 new exhibitors
  • 148,000 visitors
  • 490 civil and military delegations
  • 21 national pavilions, including Morocco’s debut
  • 98 chalets
  • 8,000 square metres of additional exhibition space
  • 120 start-ups and 50 investors
  • More than 200 aircraft across flying and static displays

Aircraft on display include Joby Aviation’s eVTOL, the General Atomics CCA, Bristell B23 915 IFR, and new additions COMAC C919 and C929 — the largest flying display in the airshow’s history.

Space takes centre stage

Organised with the UAE Space Agency, the largest-ever Space Pavilion brings together international space agencies, leading space-tech firms, start-ups, investors and researchers.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Dubai Airshow represents a leading global platform to showcase the remarkable progress the UAE has achieved in the space sector.

“This is a direct outcome of our efforts to translate the objectives of the National Space Strategy 2030 into reality, contributing to the creation of a comprehensive and sustainable space economy.”

He added that the wide international participation highlights growing confidence in the UAE’s space ecosystem and its commitment to advanced technologies and national talent.

The two-day Space Conference will convene more than 50 global experts, astronauts and industry leaders to discuss responsible space use, future missions and emerging technologies.

eVTOLs fly at Dubai Airshow for the first time

A landmark moment for the 2025 edition is the first-ever eVTOL participation in the flying display. Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, including Joby Aviation’s eVTOL, will demonstrate new capabilities in urban air mobility.

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said the milestone reflects Dubai’s ambition to lead in advanced air mobility and progressive regulatory frameworks.

Major General Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Executive Director of the Military Committee of the airshow, said the event underscores the UAE’s commitment to defence innovation, investment in advanced technologies and strengthening international partnerships.

Elite aerobatic teams and flying displays highlight operational excellence and multinational cooperation.

Dubai flying taxi evtol joby
Dubai completes the first crewed eVTOL air taxi flight as RTA confirms journey times, vertiport locations and 320 kmph aircraft specifications ahead of 2026 launch

Industry-wide conferences

This year’s conference programme is the most extensive yet, featuring more than 450 speakers across 12 specialised tracks, including:

  • MRO
  • Airport and Airline Keynotes
  • Advanced Air Mobility
  • Passenger Experience
  • Workforce Development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Airport Tech

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the keynote tracks will bring together more than 450 leaders shaping the future of flight, covering digital transformation, smarter journeys and sustainable operations.

Innovation zones

Dubai Airshow 2025 features several new zones:

  • Inspiration Zone for early-stage founders and start-ups
  • NextGen Leaders programme for university-led research
  • Wellness Zone for visitor experience
  • Vista returning as the dedicated start-up hub

Sustainability plays a major role, with initiatives including Sustainable Aviation Fuel supply, renewable-powered halls, eco-friendly ground support equipment and the Better Stands Programme promoting reusable stand designs.

For the first time, the airshow will extend into the evening with Airshow After Dark, night-time sessions, live entertainment and a drone show. The “Party on the Runway” event at Skydive Dubai will add to the expanded visitor experience.

SkyView, the public grandstand, will offer dynamic aerial performances, meet-the-pilot sessions, food trucks, entertainment and a new VIP viewing platform over five days of flying displays.

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