The opening day of the 2025 Dubai Airshow saw the announcement from the Tawazun Economic Council regarding the signing of eight contracts with a total value of 3.77 billion dirhams for the Ministry of Defense, involving both local and international companies.
This information was revealed during a press conference attended by Majid Al Jabri, Abdullah Al Saidi, and Man’ Al Mansouri, the council’s official spokespersons. They emphasized that the Planning and Procurement Directorate plays a crucial role in overseeing the execution of these contracts within the council’s framework, aiming for excellence in procurement services from strategic planning to supplier collaboration and operational implementations. This approach is rooted in transparency and efficiency to achieve a significant national impact.
Abdullah Al Saidi detailed the local contracts awarded on the first day, which included six deals valued at 3.04 billion dirhams. Notably, a contract was signed with Gal Aviation Services for providing air navigation services and specialized technical personnel, amounting to 1.294 billion dirhams. Additionally, a contract was established with Gal Aerospace Logistics for technical support, spare parts, and technical assistance for aircraft, valued at 600 million dirhams. Two contracts were finalized with the International Golden Group, one for technical support services for aircraft systems at 415 million dirhams and another for the acquisition of aerial drop parachutes at 299 million dirhams. There was also an agreement with Maxims Aviation for aircraft leasing at 293 million dirhams and a contract with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Agency for aircraft leasing at 137 million dirhams.
Man’ Al Mansouri highlighted that international deals on the first day consisted of two contracts worth a total of 725 million dirhams, including a contract with Airbus Helicopters of France for H Care services for helicopters at 512 million dirhams, and a deal with Embraer from Brazil for the purchase of VIP PRAETOR-600 aircraft at 212 million dirhams.
Majid Al Jabri pointed out that the Tawazun Economic Council is reinforcing its strategic partnerships with both national and global companies through these contracts, supporting the development of the country’s defense and security capabilities via a comprehensive national framework that enhances the competitiveness of the UAE’s defense industry on regional and international levels.
The official spokespersons confirmed that the Dubai Airshow serves as a leading global platform that fosters innovation and future technologies in the defense and aviation sectors, solidifying the UAE’s position as a regional and international hub for advanced industries and a knowledge-based economy. This year’s edition emphasizes the latest advancements in sustainability, AI-driven innovation, advanced mobility, and space exploration, making it the most significant and future-focused show to date.