Around 150 exhibitors from various regions and countries are gearing up to participate in the 25th edition of the “Airports Exhibition.” This prominent event in the airport industry will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 12 to 14, 2026, showcasing the latest technologies aimed at enhancing travel efficiency.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, the exhibition will host over 120 invited buyers from more than 50 airports and aviation authorities across 30 countries.
Competitive Landscape
Airports globally, particularly in the Middle East, are making substantial investments to procure new technologies while expanding their capabilities and upgrading facilities to maintain a robust competitive edge in the industry. As airports strive to become multimodal transportation hubs, they are focusing on seamlessly integrating digital platforms, significantly enhancing traveler experiences, and adopting advanced technologies for security systems, baggage handling, and flight information display.
In response to the rising demand for air travel, airports are improving their efficiency and enabling scalable systems to manage increasing passenger flows and effectively navigate operational complexities.
According to SITA, a leading aviation technology firm, success now and in the foreseeable future hinges on embracing technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and biometrics. The smart airport concept and digital transformation have positioned airport operations for future readiness. The global market for smart airports is expected to reach $24.3 billion by 2032, with projected investments in the Middle East’s smart airport sector anticipated to hit $30 billion, as reported by Ken Research.
The integration of artificial intelligence and biometric data is becoming crucial for ensuring seamless and secure travel experiences by 2030, as global air passenger numbers are expected to reach 10 billion in two decades. The world has witnessed an increase in both passenger volumes and air cargo, along with a surge in flight frequencies and new destination openings. Industry stakeholders view the Airports Exhibition as an ideal platform to explore and procure the latest technologies directly from exhibitors.
Business Opportunities
The Airports Exhibition offers a valuable opportunity for both global and regional exhibitors to network with key decision-makers in the aviation sector across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Participants will have the chance to explore business opportunities with executives from airports in the Middle East, a region identified by the Airports Council International as one of two regions that will invest $240 billion from 2025 to 2035 to enhance existing facilities and construct new airports, reinforcing their status as global aviation hubs.
The event will also facilitate exclusive meetings with decision-makers through a hosted buyers program, designed to enable exhibitors to connect with key officials representing major airports worldwide and explore potential deals and future technology and product requirements.
By 2027, it is expected that approximately 74% of airports will feature self-boarding gates utilizing biometric technology. The Middle East recorded a remarkable 28% increase in overall air connectivity, with an average connectivity level rise of 14% across all airports.
Conferences
A range of forums will take place during the event, including the “Global Airport Leaders Forum,” the “Middle East Airport Security Conference,” the “Air Traffic Control Forum,” and the “Women in Aviation – Middle East Forum.”
Mi Ismail, Exhibition Director for RX Global, stated: “Technology is no longer just a set of separate tools but has become the backbone of airport operations. As airports evolve to become smarter, more sustainable, and more interconnected, their operations are undergoing significant transformation.”
She added: “The airport of the future will be a highly advanced center focused on the traveler, delivering a seamless travel experience. The ambition of airports to be best-in-class is undeniably challenging and complex, and their preparations are aimed at optimizing future opportunities.”
Ismail noted that airports are striving to ensure that every touchpoint is integrated, coordinated, and measured in real-time. Technology is no longer merely tools; it has become the operating system managing every function of the airport.
A report by Oliver Wyman, ACI World, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Center indicated that the next phase will witness significant advancements in biometrics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D printing, and automation, all of which will transform traditional airport operating models and enhance passenger experience while improving efficiency. The traveler experience is expected to be personalized, on-demand, contactless, and efficient.