150 global and regional exhibitors at Airport Show 2026

DUBAI, UAE - Jan. 7, 2026 - PRLog -- Airports worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, are accelerating investments in advanced technologies as they expand capacity and modernize facilities to maintain their competitive edge. The transformation is reshaping airports into multimodal mobility hubs, integrating digital platforms, hyper-personalized passenger experiences, and cutting-edge systems for security, baggage handling, and flight information.

Artificial intelligence, biometrics, and IoT integration are at the forefront of this evolution, enabling airports to scale operations and meet rising passenger demand with greater efficiency. Aviation technology leader SITA emphasizes that AI, machine learning, automation, and biometrics are central to building future-ready airports. The global smart airport market is projected to reach US$24.3 billion by 2032, while the Middle East alone is expected to attract US$30 billion in investments.

The 25th edition of the Airport Show, one of the world's largest B2B platforms for the airport industry, will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 12–14, 2026. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the event will convene more than 120 buyers from over 50 airports and aviation authorities across 30 countries, alongside 150 global exhibitors.

This premier gathering offers unmatched opportunities for deal-making and networking with decision-makers from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. With the region expected to spend US$240 billion between 2025–2035 on upgrading facilities and building new airports, exhibitors will gain direct access to CEOs and senior officials through the Hosted Buyers Program.

By 2027, nearly 74 percent of airports are expected to deploy biometrically enabled self-boarding gates, underscoring the industry's commitment to seamless, contactless travel. The Middle East has already posted a 28 percent increase in connectivity, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with strong intra-regional and intercontinental growth.

Alongside the exhibition, the Global Airport Leaders' Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation Middle East Forum will provide deeper insights into innovation, safety, and leadership.

"Technology is no longer a collection of standalone tools but the backbone of airport operations," said May Ismail, Event Manager at RX Middle East. "The airport of the future will be a technologically advanced, passenger-centric hub delivering a seamless travel experience."

Reports from Oliver Wyman, ACI World, and the Sustainable Tourism Global Centre highlight how biometrics, AI, machine learning, 3D printing, and automation will disrupt traditional models, creating customized, on-demand, and efficient passenger journeys. By 2030, AI and biometric data will be standard across airports, ensuring safe and smooth travel as global passenger numbers surge toward 10 billion.

The Airport Show - Dubai (https://www.theairportshow.com/)