The 18th edition of Dubai Airshow is scheduled to take place at Dubai World Central (DWC) from 13-17 November 2023, with a primary focus on space exploration as a crucial driver for individual countries and the aerospace industry.

Dubai Airshow and the UAE Space Agency have joined hands through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to elevate the event’s emphasis on space, enhancing its offerings for attendees.

As global interest in space exploration grows, the industry has expanded beyond government, aerospace, and defense companies. Private businesses and industries are now driving innovation in space applications, contributing to the emergence of a new space economy expected to exceed US$634 billion by 2026, as projected by the Space Foundation.

To support these developments, Ibrahim Al Qasim, Deputy Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, and Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), have been appointed to the Dubai Airshow Advisory Board.

Al Qasim expressed, “The UAE has made significant progress in earth observation, astronaut training, lunar missions, and upcoming asteroid missions. Building major private sector capabilities will be crucial in the next five to ten years. The Dubai Airshow is the ideal platform to facilitate opportunities for startups in the UAE, having generated business worth over AED 3 trillion.”

The UAE continues to play a pivotal role in the space sector, inspiring future generations of astronauts and space scientists. Notable achievements include Sultan Al Neyadi becoming the first Arab to walk in space and the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission. Additionally, the UAE announced the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), a groundbreaking 13-year project aimed at boosting Emirati space start-ups and talent.

In an effort to address climate change and its impact on aerospace, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) will make its debut as the host sponsor for the Aerospace 2050 stage. Dr. Gustavo Dos Santos, Chief Researcher at the Propulsion and Space Research Centre (PSRC) of TII, highlighted the airshow’s importance as a forum for aerospace and space stakeholders.

The 18th edition of Dubai Airshow will include a dedicated two-day conference program featuring prominent leaders, government officials, and change-makers. The event will offer networking opportunities through Exclusive Ministerial and Space Delegation programs, connecting industry players with government officials, academia, and decision-makers.

In line with the UAE government’s Make it in the Emirates initiative, the airshow aims to contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce. To achieve this, it will provide opportunities for students, graduates, and young professionals to engage with prospective employers and participate in youth engagement activities. Aspiring astronauts and space scientists can look forward to events such as the New Space start-up competition and Space and Moonwalker meet and greet to explore potential careers in space.