Two hundred exhibitors took part in Dubai 89. The show covered 7,000 square metres at Dubai International Airport, taking up one large exhibition hall. Twenty-five aircraft were on display and 10,000 industry visitors attended.

Just nine shows on and Dubai 2005 had 726 exhibitors covering 35,000 square metres in three large exhibition halls on a purpose-built site next to the airport. 101 aircraft were on display and 35,000 trade visitors attended. What a difference two decades can make!

The Dubai Airshow reflects the growth in aviation in the Middle East region and F&E are indebted to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister for his support and enthusiasm throughout the years and of course to the Dubai Government, Department of Civil Aviation and the UAE Armed Forces. We work together to ensure that the Dubai Airshow is not only the best airshow but that we keep improving and developing the event year on year.