Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, attended the Dubai Air Show on Wednesday, alongside his brother Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the visit, they explored various exhibits, including a stand for EDGE, an Emirati defense firm, where Sheikh Mohammed signed a drone.
The show also featured a KA-52 attack helicopter from Russian Helicopters, a company sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for its role in Russia’s war on Ukraine. Russian pilots demonstrated the helicopter as it was paraded at Al Maktoum International Airport, and other Russian military equipment, including AK-19 rifles and miniature drones, was displayed.
Despite international sanctions, Russia continues to engage with Dubai, including through its real estate market and frequent flights between Moscow and the Emirates. This relationship persists amid concerns over the influx of Russian capital into the UAE.
At the same time, Dubai International Airport is on track to exceed pre-pandemic passenger numbers, with forecasts estimating 86.8 million travelers by year-end. This resurgence in travel is attributed to a broad network of destinations and airlines, despite slower traffic from regions like China and Israel.
During the air show, Emirates unveiled a $52 billion aircraft purchase deal with Boeing, while FlyDubai committed to $11 billion in new aircraft. Airbus also announced additional sales but has yet to secure a major deal at the event. Dubai’s aviation sector remains optimistic about the future, with a strong recovery from the pandemic’s impact.
