Dubai 2005 International Marketing Campaign to take off at Asian Aerospace 2004

Planning work has begun on the proposed facilities expansion of Airport Expo Dubai - the purpose-built exhibition site for the Dubai air show - in the United Arab Emirates.

A pledge to expand the facilities, first built in 1999, was made by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister during Dubai 2003 - the eighth international aerospace exhibition which took place last December.

“Initial plans to further develop facilities including creating more car parking space, possible expansion of one or both of the two exhibition halls and the creation of an on-site conference centre, have begun” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of  Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Group.

“These additional facilities are needed to cope with increased demand for the Dubai air show and to ensure it lifts its ranking among the top four aerospace exhibitions in the world.”

Airport Expo Dubai has already been hailed by the international aerospace industry as a world-class venue. Now, says Dubai air show organisers, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), the improved facilities will further raise the bar on excellence in exhibitor and visitor servicing.

“The Dubai air show is now the fastest-selling aerospace exhibition in the fastest-growing aviation region,” said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group, F&E.

“Demand from both regional and international companies is increasing, and upgraded and additional facilities will further enhance the show’s already highly credible reputation.”

Meanwhile, F&E says the international marketing campaign for Dubai 2005 - the ninth international aerospace exhibition - will be launched at Asian Aerospace 2004, which takes place in Singapore from February 24-29. F&E is exhibiting on stand number A440 - in the UK pavilion.

“Early day verbal commitments for Dubai 2005 suggest it may well break even Dubai 2003’s record for being the fastest-selling in this exhibition’s history, which dates back to 1989,” said Alison Weller, Project Manager, Aerospace Group, F&E. “More than 150 companies have already expressed interest in participating in Dubai 2005.

“The Jordanian and Swiss participation is expected to double for the next show and Turkey is looking to mount its first ever pavilion. In addition, Bexair of Bahrain says it intends to expand its participation as does the NATO Flying Training in Canada programme, and Lord Bach, the UK’s Minister of State for Defence Procurement has spoken of his confidence that British participation will grow even further.”

Dubai 2005 will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai from November 20-24, 2005. It will feature the show’s first dedicated unmanned aerial vehicles pavilion. Dubai 2005 is being organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE.