Oct. 30--DUBAI -- Saudi companies are the second largest regional exhibitors taking part in the 13th edition of the Dubai Airshow, which will run at the multi-billion dollar Dubai World Central (DWC) aerotropolis at Jebel Ali, Dubai from Nov. 17-21.
"Thirty-three Saudi companies have confirmed their participation for this year's show, which is second largest after the UAE," Sharief Fahmy, CEO, F&E Aerospace, organizer of the Dubai Airshow, told a press conference here.
In 2011, only 20 Saudi companies took part in the airshow but for this year's event there is an increase of 65 percent, he added.
Major Saudi companies taking part in the show include Alpha Star Aviation Services, Alsalam Aircraft Co. Ltd. Arabsaco, Jet Aviation Management AG, nasair, Saudi Aersopace Co. and Saudia Private Aviation.
The UAE is the show's No. 1 in terms of representation, with 266 companies -- an increase of 21 percent over the previous airshow.
In line with the growth of Dubai Airshow, there will be 13 companies from Jordan, 16 from Bahrain, 5 from Qatar and two from India participating in the show.
Opening up the doors of the new venue in a special media preview at Dubai World Central on Wednesday, Fahmy said the biennial event will host up to 60,000 trade visitors and over 1,000 exhibitors.
"The site provides greater than ever accessibility for all involved in the show, being easy to get to from Dubai's main highways and from all other emirates. The venue is also very accessible as it is just a 20- to 30-minute drive from most key locations in Dubai and 40 minutes from
Abu Dhabi International Airport, thus making it truly central between both cities," Fahmy added.
He said: "The Dubai government's investment in the site is a clear demonstration of its belief in the future of this show and its commitment to delivering world-class events, which consistently raise the bar."
As Dubai International Airport is currently the second busiest airport in the word, Fahmy said: "The busy flying schedules of Dubai International Airport also limited our daily flying display capabilities, which have now been significantly freed up."
The Dubai Airshow will see the return of the UAE's Al Fursan aerobatics squad along with the Red Arrows from the UK, also confirmed for the aerial flying display, and a first for the Gulf region the military aircraft -- A400M.
Also a first for the Dubai Airshow will be Boeing's F/A-18E Super Hornet, with others set to be announced nearer to the show.
"The aviation growth of Dubai prompted the move and as a result the expanded exhibition space and footprint will now have a total site spanning 645,000 square meters -- more than double that of the old site," Fahmy added.
Prominent speakers at the airshow will be Captain Khalid Al-Shammasi, vice president flight operations for Saudi Arabian Airlines; Captain Hayam Riad, head of training for RAK Airways; Captain Jacques Drappier, senior adviser, training for Airbus; Captain Ghassan Obeidat, head of crew training and standards/B787 program manager, Royal Jordanian Airline; and Michael Bell, partner at Spencer Stuart and Chet Fuller, senior vice president, Bombardier.
Speakers from other organizations include flydubai, Air Line Pilots Association, International and Emirates Airline.
The Dubai Airshow is organized with the support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, and in cooperation with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.
Copyright 2013 - Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
