Dubai to host Middle East's first International Helicopter Technology and Operations Exhibition

To be held at the Dubai Airport Expo, the show will target both military and commercial segments of the industry and will act as a forum to showcase technology upgrades in every conceivable aspect of the helicopter industry.

The exhibition is being organised under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Defence Minister of the UAE and is being supported by UAE Air Forces. Dubai Helishow 2004 holds great significance for the region, considering the growing interest and development in this sector of the aviation industry. With the Middle East region and Dubai in particular constantly attracting new business opportunities from around the globe there is a growing demand for world-class infrastructure and air transportation facilities aimed at improving the quality and productivity of businesses.

According to Abdulla Abulhoul, Managing Director, MEDIAC, the organisers of Dubai Helishow, "The Middle East offers significant scope for a helicopter technology exhibition, with implementation in areas as diverse as the military, transport and cargo, firefighting and rescue, offshore oil support, as well as many more. The market demands for improvement can be best served by showcasing technological innovation at a forum, where the investors have the opportunity to experience first-hand its advantages in a regional setting. Bearing this in mind, MEDIAC has brought its considerable experience to the organisation of the Dubai Helishow."

One of the most important projects to have a direct marketing opportunity for the helicopter industry will be The World, which will comprise of 300 artificial islands being developed in Dubai. Designed with the very affluent and corporate investors in mind and with no road access, the only form of transportation will be either by air, which includes helicopter or water.

The exhibition promises to garner a lot of interest from exhibitors worldwide apart from decision makers, government and defence officials as well as commercial customers, owners and users. Companies from countries like Italy, Russia, USA, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Romania, South Africa and Sweden, including regional countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE are participating in the show.

The Dubai Helishow will cover diverse technology areas including Accessories and Components; Air Frames; Avionics; Custom-designed Interiors; Helicopter Airframes; Helicopters and Helipads; Power Plants; Repair and Overhaul of old copters; Trainer and simulators; and System Integrators. Besides technology the show will place the spotlight on industry segments such as Aircraft Brokers; Legal Advisors; Insurers; and the use of Helicopters in both civil and military scenarios.

The show will also focus on corporate operators in the fields of agriculture and forestry; civil airlines; corporate and VIP transport; electronic news gathering; emergency services; medical services; firefighting; inspection of pipelines and transmission lines; offshore oil support; private ownership; police and law enforcement; search and rescue; tourism and peace keeping.

The Dubai Helishow 2004 will be also supported by the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai; Dubai International Airport; Government of Dubai; Department of Economic Development; and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.