Together, these trends highlight the challenges and opportunities facing leaders as they steer through uncertainty while seeking growth and resilience.

1. Geopolitics: Risks and Opportunities in a Changing World Order

Shifting alliances and trade dynamics are reshaping global markets, requiring A&D firms to adapt strategies quickly.

2. Supply Chain Resilience: Agility in the Face of Disruption

Companies are adopting digital tools and predictive analytics to strengthen supply chain visibility and responsiveness. 

3. Sustainability: Collaboration Amid Fragmentation

Sustainability is becoming a foundation for resilience, driving partnerships across governments and private players.

4. Competition: Scaling the Next Generation

New entrants with digital-first models are challenging established firms to modernize and accelerate transformation. 

5. R&D: Accelerating Innovation

Investment in dual-use technologies and breakthrough innovations is critical to maintaining leadership.

6. Digitalisation: Delivering on the Need for Speed

AI, cloud, and advanced simulations are enabling faster decision-making and cost efficiency across operations. 

7. M&A: Focus on Value Creation

Strategic acquisitions are now driven by technology integration and long-term value rather than sheer scale.

8. Workforce: Reshaping Strategy

Upskilling, flexible models, and new pipelines are needed to address digital and engineering talent gaps. 

9. Defense: Integrating Domains

Modern defense requires seamless integration across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.

10. Space: Commercialising the Next Frontier

Private enterprises are driving growth in space through satellite services, orbital infrastructure, and defense capabilities. 

Companies based at the Sky Support Complex will benefit from operating within a bonded free zone area that allows 100 percent foreign ownership. The facility also offers superior infrastructure when compared to other free zones, with flexible warehouse, office and commercial space options that can accommodate diverse business needs.

Additionally, the complex is adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport providing seamless operational connectivity and access to the broader Dubai South ecosystem.

MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, MROs and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centers and training and education campuses. It seeks to strengthen engineering industries to foster the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading aviation hub.

Alongside it, our two-day Sustainability track dives into the future of greener skies- from cutting-edge aircraft and cleaner fuels to the policies that support building a net zero future for aviation.

The inaugural MRO track goes deep into fresh technology, evolving business models, and growth opportunities—giving attendees practical strategies they can apply right away.

At the Academy Stage, the spotlight turns to vital themes like cyber risk, tech innovation, and workforce inclusivity. The “NextGen Leaders” series opens the floor to students and young professionals ready to shape the next chapter of aerospace.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will take centre stage, offering a close-up look at the technologies, policies, and partnerships changing how we think about flight. Meanwhile, sessions on Passenger Experience dive into how aviation can better serve travellers—offering smoother journeys, smarter services, and stronger connections.

Vista, the show’s flagship innovation platform, brings together startup founders, investors, and decision-makers over four energetic days. Expect breakthrough ideas, high-impact pitches, and real-time deal-making—all designed to turn bold thinking into business results.

This is your chance to experience what’s next. Join us at Dubai Airshow 2025—where innovation takes off.

Secure your pass today and be part of the aerospace revolution

* Visitors can register for an Experience Pass at $149, which gives access to the full exhibition, aircraft static and flying displays, conference sessions, the new Inspiration Zone and Wellness Zone, the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Zone, Space Pavillion, Airshow After Dark, curated guided tours, Skyview, and Skybites Catering Village.