The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again demonstrated its growing influence in the global defence and aviation industries through its participation in the 7th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow. The event took place at the Sakhir Airbase from November 13 to 15.
Showcasing Leading Emirati Companies
The UAE National Pavilion was organised by the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC), with support from the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council. This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its leading companies’ presence in key global events, particularly those focused on defence industries, and fostering new regional and international collaborations.
The pavilion featured several UAE-based companies specialising in advanced defence equipment and systems, including EDGE Group subsidiaries such as ADASI, Halcon, Caracal, Barij Dynamics, and Barij Munitions, alongside AMMROC, GAL, and Mira Aerospace. Other participants included the UAE Space Agency and Al Jundi Journal, the pavilion’s official media partner.
The Bahrain International Airshow, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, is a premier global event for the aviation and defence sectors.
Widespread Interest
Over three days, the UAE pavilion attracted a significant number of participants, including official delegations, local and international officials, and visitors. Attendees explored the UAE’s achievements in defence and aviation and its role in shaping the future of these industries.
The event featured over 20 government and semi-government entities from Bahrain, 11 exhibition sponsors, 223 official delegations from 56 countries, and 195 companies. Notably, 12 international companies specialising in airport ground-handling services participated for the first time, representing Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
A Platform for Innovation
Spanning 14,000 square metres, the airshow provided a platform to showcase cutting-edge aviation products and technologies. The static aircraft display area, covering 86,000 square metres, featured over 120 modern aircraft in both static and aerial displays.
Sharif Hashim Al Hashemi, Chief Operating Officer at Tawazun Council, described the UAE’s participation as an exceptional opportunity to deepen strategic partnerships with Bahrain in defence manufacturing, technology exchange, and expertise sharing. He emphasised the UAE’s dedication to fostering collaboration in advanced industries to meet the demands of the defence and aviation sectors.
He added, “The airshow serves as a vital platform for national companies to showcase their innovative defence solutions and engage with international counterparts. Tawazun Council remains committed to supporting these companies and expanding their global presence.”
Al Hashemi also highlighted the UAE-Bahrain cooperation as a model of strong fraternal ties, shared ambitions for sustainable development, and the enhancement of defence capabilities to align with global technological advancements.
Strengthening Emirati Competitiveness
Mona Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairwoman of the EDCC, stressed the importance of the event in enabling Emirati companies to demonstrate their industrial and technological capabilities alongside leading international firms.
“The council aims to enhance the competitiveness of UAE companies and facilitate their access to new markets,” she said. “This aligns with national efforts to develop a sustainable industrial base that meets the country’s defence needs.”
Al Jaber noted that the airshow offered an ideal opportunity to engage with experts, explore global trends in defence and aviation, and strengthen the council’s capacity to develop the sector in line with its strategic vision.
The UAE’s participation in the Bahrain International Airshow is part of a broader strategy to expand international partnerships and exchange expertise, advancing the country’s strategic objectives in the defence sector.
Packed Programme
The airshow featured a rich programme of aerial displays and specialised seminars, attracting experts and leaders from the aviation and defence industries. These activities fostered international dialogue on key challenges and developments shaping the sector’s future.
Coverage by: Razi Izzeddin Elhadmi – Photography by: Abdullah Al Suwaidi
