THE MIDDLE EAST'S PREMIERE AVIATION HUB LEADS INTO THE FUTURE

AN ESTIMATED 30,000 VISITORS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE DUBAI 2000 AIRSHOW

In just six sessions, a phenomenal momentum has grown around the Dubai International Aerospace Exhibition which this year, between Nov. 14 and 18, will host a record number of international aviation executives from both the civil and military sectors.

The last major air show in the region before the 21st century, Dubai 2000 will be marked by the inauguration of an all-new complex that is unique in the world as the first and only purpose-built structure for an air show. While it ranks third behind Le Bourget in France and Farnborough in England, and shares third-place standing with Singapore, the Dubai Airshow is now No. 1 in terms of facilities.

The new center boasts 50,000 square meters of sheltered exhibition space divided over two levels, thus distinguishing it from Le Bourget and Farnborough where shows are held on open air fields.

"The Dubai 2000 Airshow will offer the best of facilities and a state-of-the-art communication system. With the completion of our new permanent air show site and exhibition halls, Dubai International Airport is the only airport in the world to offer such facilities and exhibition halls of such magnitude," said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates. "There is scope for further expansion when required, which I believe will be very soon. The Government of Dubai has given us full support, and we aim to be the No. 1 air show in the world."

Completed in September, 1999, the new exhibition complex also features extensive reception, conference, and business facilities that include 82 one- and two-story hospitality chalets. In addition, it is linked by runway to the ultra-modern Dubai International Airport complex for ease in transporting merchandise and materials, and not just in the aviation sector. When it is not hosting the air show, it will serve as a general exhibition hall to help meet the needs of the growing trade show industry.

Heralding the coming millennium and the dawn of a new era for Middle East aviation, Dubai 2000 this year will host over 500 aerospace companies. These will range from the largest manufacturers to the smallest suppliers of aircraft to the rapidly expanding market for personalized executive jets. Some 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the show, at which a number of new craft will make their regional debut.

It is the most important exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, considered to be one of the world's greatest growth markets in the international aviation sector. Currently worth billions of dollars, it will continue to see unprecedented growth as regional airlines expand and re-equip their fleets and governments augment their defense forces. Experts predict the regional growth rate will be about 6% per year, and that by the year 2020 the market for commercial jet sales alone will be worth about $50 billion.

Those are impressive figures in a region where the aviation industry is only 60 years old. Fueling the growth over the six decades has been the emergence of regional carriers such as Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines and, most recently, Emirates, the international airline of the United Arab Emirates. The growth of ultra-modern defense forces in all the Gulf states has also contributed to the trend.