Article - Dubai International Airshow - Nov 2019

Dubai International Airshow

Any trip to Dubai nowadays involves gazing at a skyline that comprises of some of what are now the most recognisable structures on the planet.

However, away from the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of downtown Dubai, there lies an alternative airport to DXB, off in the desert, still within the boundaries of Dubai, but much closer to Abu Dhabi. This airport covers a large area and is Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/OMDW), also known as ‘Dubai World Central,’ and has a permanent section dedicated to the biannual Dubai Airshow.

This year’s airshow was held between November 17 and November 21. Predominantly a trade show, it does give a window on a wide range of both military and civil offerings in the Aerospace industry. For example, according to the Dubai Airshow News, the Saab GlobalEye made its worldwide public debut at the show, already in UAE AF colours.

Armed Forces with a presence at the Airshow included:
Brazilian Air Force
French Air Force
Italian Air Force
Japanese Self-Defence Force
Royal Jordanian Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
Russian Air Force (Irkut Corporation)
United Kingdom Royal Air Force
United States Air Force
United States Navy

Plus: United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence; Dubai Police Force, and Dubai Coast Guard/Rescue.

The static is spread out over quite a large compound that has a reasonable view up onto part of the runway, and the ever-present sun offers some good opportunities for excellent shots, although trades people are generally milling around, so you may have to wait for the shot you want.

After a good and not so brisk pass through the static and the trade hall, there came a chance to catch a brief glimpse of the Royal & Officials entourage, especially Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, and his extensive security cortege, plus many photographers jostling for the opportunity to get that particular shot that marks Day One of the Airshow.

The fly past started exactly as planned at 14:00 with a power demonstration by the UAE forces; and then went through the mainly military might that had either gathered at Al Maktoum, or is currently based in the region. For example, a nice, but unmarked four-ship of RAF Typhoon FGR.4s made one pass through. If you were looking the wrong way you would have missed them.

The US military presence, as one might expect, was quite strong given its current commitment to the region. For the commercial enthusiasts, Airbus and Boeing were each given one opportunity to demonstrate one of their latest commercial offerings.

In terms of display teams, the local Al Fursan team provided the coloured smoke in the power demonstration; plus the Patrouille de France and the Saudi Hawks provided additional colour and flare later on.

In addition to the Airshow traffic, there were the comings and goings of the great and the good, mostly in the Royal Flight AW.139 fleet.

The flying wrapped up at 17:00 and whilst you are not so close to the main runway as you would like, you are pretty much guaranteed sunshine and mostly on the right side of it.

As it is mainly a trade show, there were the usual post-show announcements of significant orders and deals done at the show. One such item of particular interest to Military Aviation circles was the order of 24 Calidus B-250 by the UAE AF.


A very special thanks to the organisers of the Dubai Airshow for their professionalism at putting on such an interesting and wide-ranging mix of aircraft and vendors at the Airshow. I am very happy to have enjoyed a mix of the more traditional elements of Dubai hospitality, with my passion for aviation.

Author and Photographer: Mark Burden
Share by: