Dubai Airshow, a mirror of the wider Mideast economy

Twelve per cent growth since the last event two years ago, admittedly then just a few weeks after the tragedy of September 11th, reflects the fact that the aviation sector is growing in the Middle East at a time when it is flat on its back elsewhere around the world.

The high oil prices of the past four years are the root cause, as they are for the general economic boom in the region, even in a year that saw a major war in Iraq.

On the other hand, another major reason for the growth of the Dubai Airshow is the presence of 80 US companies, and a big show from the US military whose presence in the region is dramatically enhanced since the invasion of Iraq in March.

The Dubai Airshow also highlights the dramatic success and huge construction boom going on in the emirate of Dubai. Visitors only have to peer into the largest hole in the world next to the Dubai International Airport (the $4.2 billion terminal three extension) to start to appreciate the remarkable progress of Dubai.

For Dubai is increasingly the region's business hub, as the staging of the Middle East's air show amply demonstrates. Aviation companies from 36 nations will be present, doubtless to announce some impressive contracts, though whether Emirates will top the $15 billion order announced at the last show remains to be seen.

However, the organizers are keen to stress that the participation of Arab companies this year is higher than ever, with a Kuwaiti participant for the first time, for example.

This seems to be the Middle East of today. As in many sectors, commercial and military aviation is dominated by foreign companies, but there is a healthy development of local service and maintenance companies beginning to emerge.

That is also a health pointer to the Middle East of tomorrow, where modernity is adapted to local conditions and traditional values thrive in harmony with the technology of the future.