The Dubai Air Show, where international airline industry professionals, plane makers, air forces and space agencies gather to showcase new products and sell billions worth of aircraft, will return to the Dubai World Central international airport this November.

The biennial event boasts access to cutting-edge technology, insights into the future of aerospace, space and defense, and "the chance to witness breathtaking aircraft displays in the sky," according to the event's website.

The highly anticipated event, which is closed to the public, is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and vice president, prime minister and minister of defense for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It is supported by aviation industry stakeholders including Dubai Airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and the UAE Space Agency.

"Dubai remains the epicenter of confidence, innovation and growth of the global aviation sector, representing our position as a leading international aviation and aerospace hub," Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group said in a statement.

From humble beginnings to record-breaking aviation deals

Now the world's leading aerospace event, with more than $74 billion worth of deals and 104,000 attendees in November 2021, the airshow started as a small aviation exhibition known as Arab Air at the Dubai World Trade Center in 1986.

The event was launched amid increasing regional focus on the aviation industry, reports Money, Inc.

In 1989, the event was re-branded the Dubai Airshow as it moved to the Dubai International Airport to showcase about 25 aircraft and host about 200 exhibitors.

Even in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, with the airline industry facing unprecedented challenges, the 2001 Dubai Airshow closed with more than $15 billion in sales, reports Flight Global.

In 2013, sales ballooned to $206 billion, according to Insider. Some 163 aircraft were on static display, and 1,055 exhibitors from 60 countries participated in the 2013 event, which drew 60,000 visitors.

The airshow captured international headlines that year, and CNN reported that the event facilitated some of the biggest civil aviation deals in history, like Emirates Airlines' $99 billion purchase of 150 Boeing 777X planes and 50 Airbus A380s.

In 2017, almost 80,000 visitors attended, along with 1,200 exhibitors and 1,350 journalists, making it the third largest air show in the world, according to Aviation International News.

At the 2017 Dubai Airshow, where 160 aircraft were on display, US companies won $44 billion in UAE orders for commercial aircraft and defense-related equipment and services, according to a UAE press release.

In that statement, UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba said US exports of commercial and military aircraft, services and equipment to the UAE made up the largest share of America's $19 billion trade surplus with the UAE in 2017.

Growing international representation

In 2021, Israel participated in the event for the first time, according to Money, Inc., after Israel and the UAE normalized their relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.

Facilitated by the Dubai Airshow sales, Emirates Airlines maintains the world's largest fleet of US Boeing 777 aircraft, according to Simple Flying.

"The UAE's airlines rely on Boeing airplanes to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region, and between the region and Asia, Africa, Europe and North America," Ambassador Al Otaiba said in the 2017 UAE press release.

In the defense sector, the UAE agreed that year to a $1.6 billion deal with US defense contractor Lockheed Martin to upgrade the UAE air force's fleet of 80 F-16 fighter jets.

The F-16 "Block 60" aircraft forms the backbone of the UAE air force's fleet, the statement said, and was the most advanced version of the US-made aircraft available in 2017.

"The UAE is proud to partner with US manufacturers to create shared prosperity and advance our mutual security interests," Al Otaiba said in the statement.

The 2023 Dubai Airshow is set for November 13–17. It will focus on industry sustainability innovations, as the UAE prepares to host COP28, the United Nations' Climate Change Conference, later this year.

"As always, Dubai Airshow will be the perfect platform to convene the world towards a brighter future for all," Tim Hawes, managing director of event organizer Tarsus F&E, said in the statement.