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From November 17 to 21, 2025, Dubai World Central became the epicenter of global aviation for the 19th biennial Dubai Airshow. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event, branded “The Future Is Here,” was the largest in its history, uniting government and industry leaders to showcase the latest in aerospace, defense, and space technologies.

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A Show of Record-Breaking Scale

Organizers reported an unprecedented scale, with over 1,500 exhibitors, including 440 new companies, and more than 200 aircraft on static and flying display. This eclipsed the previous 2023 edition, which had drawn 135,053 attendees and over $101 billion in orders. The 2025 show also hosted nearly 490 government and military delegations from 115 countries, featuring 21 country pavilions, 120 aerospace start-ups, and 50 international investors.

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From Humble Beginnings to a Global Premier

Understanding the scale of the 2025 show requires a look at its origins. The event began modestly in 1986 as "Arab Air," a small civil aviation gathering. It was officially rebranded as the Dubai Airshow in 1989, featuring just 25 aircraft. Over nearly four decades, it has experienced explosive growth, a trajectory that mirrors the UAE's own ascent as an aviation powerhouse. Today, it is widely acknowledged as the Middle East's premier aerospace event and a top-tier global airshow, a venue known for generating landmark announcements.

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Key Highlights That Defined the Event

The five-day 2025 program was packed with milestones that demonstrated the industry's trajectory. The event was marked by a historic moment for urban air mobility when Joby Aviation's S4 electric air taxi performed the first-ever public eVTOL flying display at an international airshow, its quiet, vertical-takeoff flights signaling a new era.

Above, the skies were a dynamic showcase of global air power and precision. Spectators witnessed the UAE's Al Fursan aerobatic team debut new Chinese-built Hongdu L-15 trainers, while international teams from India and Morocco drew large crowds. The lineup of advanced military aircraft was equally impressive, featuring U.S. F-35As and F-16s flying alongside Russian Su-30SMs and the rare Su-57E stealth fighter, with Boeing's 777X prototype making a much-anticipated return to the airshow circuit.

On the ground, the focus expanded beyond traditional aviation. The event emphasized next-generation technology through its dedicated Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion, which showcased electric and hybrid aircraft, and a record-size Space Pavilion. The Space Pavilion, featuring hundreds of exhibitors and a conference with over 50 experts, highlighted the growing focus on satellite systems and future exploration missions.

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Notable Aircraft and Technology Showcases

The static park and demo lineups were a showcase of global innovation. China's COMAC C919, the nation's first homegrown airliner, made headlines with its Middle East debut, while Russia's Sukhoi Su-57E "Felon" stealth fighter flew rare sorties that captivated attendees. The display was a who's who of aviation, featuring everything from Ka-52 attack helicopters and Saab's GlobalEye to Boeing's heavy-lift C-17 and tanker aircraft.

In the civilian sector, Boeing and Airbus spotlighted new airliners and engines, with Emirates announcing plans to equip its entire widebody fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi. The technology front was dominated by unmanned systems, such as China's Wing Loong WL-X combat drone and Russia's Lancet loitering munitions. A defining moment came from the UAE's EDGE Group, which unveiled a staggering 42 new products in a single day, a record launch that included cruise missiles and drones and signaled the UAE's growing role in the global defense market.

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Major Deals and Strategic Partnerships

The airshow lived up to its reputation as a premier deal-making venue, closing several high-profile transactions. Emirates Airline led the way with a massive widebody order for 65 Boeing 7779s and 8 Airbus A350900s, a commitment worth approximately $41.4 billion.

In a strategic shift, flydubai announced two landmark deals: a commitment for 150 Airbus A321neos, marking its first order with the manufacturer, and an order for 75 Boeing 737 MAXs, together valued at about $13 billion. The carrier also secured 60 GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines for its incoming fleet of 787-9 Dreamliners.

Other carriers also expanded their fleets substantially. Etihad Airways grew its Airbus widebody portfolio with orders for 6 A330-900neos, 7 A350-1000s, and 3 A350 freighters. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines committed to 11 more Boeing 737 MAXs to support its hub expansion. The deal-making extended beyond airlines, with Morocco's Royal Air Force ordering 10 Airbus H225M helicopters and Spain's Air Europa signing an MoU for up to 40 Airbus A350-900s.

Beyond pure purchases, strategic partnerships flourished. Emirates and South African Airways signed a reciprocal codeshare agreement at the show to enhance connectivity. Further underscoring the event's diplomatic and financial role, the UK's Export Finance agency announced a $3.5 billion support letter to encourage British investment in the expansion of Dubai's Al Maktoum airport.

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Why It Matters

The Dubai Airshow has grown from a regional trade fair into a global barometer for aerospace. It is where government and industry leaders converge not only to sign multi billion-dollar contracts, but also to gauge the direction of the entire sector. The 2025 edition made it clear that the future of flight is a diverse ecosystem. It is a world where stealth fighters, electric air taxis, intercontinental airliners, and interplanetary ambitions all find a common home in the Dubai desert.

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