Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week to take place in March 2016

Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week (ADAAW) is set to run from March 6 to 12, 2016.

The event will run concurrently in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain converging six trade, defence, entertainment, and sports components under its umbrella. Set to become a biennial fixture in Abu Dhabi’s calendar of events, ADAAW is anticipated to attract a constellation of decision makers and international experts from the aviation and aerospace industry, along with a significant number of trade visitors and the general public. 

The event will include the second Unmanned System Exhibition (UMEX Abu Dhabi), first Simulation Conference and Exhibition, third Global Aerospace Summit, and fourth edition of the  Abu Dhabi Air Expo, as well as the first edition of the Middle East Aviation Career Exhibition & Conference and the eighth Red Bull Air Race. 

A number of leading Abu Dhabi-based entities including Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Mubadala Development Company, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council will join hands in organising ADAAW. 

The event will seek to boost the status of Abu Dhabi as a leading global hub of aviation and aerospace, business tourism and specialised fairs and events in the field of aerospace and aviation. Abu Dhabi has successfully established a unique economic model through developing a number of promising sectors identified by Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, among which aviation and aerospace feature as a key pillar.

Brigadier General, Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, spokesperson for the UAE Armed Forces, said: "Our support to Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week articulates the Armed Forces’ priority in creating a dedicated platform to converge international manufacturers and specialised companies participating in global aviation and aerospace exhibitions and conferences. 

“Bringing specialised events such as UMEX Abu Dhabi and Simulation Conference and Exhibition under ADAAW’s umbrella will provide the UAE Armed Forces with an excellent opportunity to explore and acquire the latest technologies in unmanned systems and simulation techniques. We look forward to utilising the full potential of unmanned systems and their future applications in optimising civil, defence and security aspects by attending the live demonstrations to be hosted by Al Ain. Additionally, the platform will offer an excellent opportunity to expand our collaboration and strategic partnership with related industry partners.” 

Jasem Mohamed Al Darmaki, acting director general of TCA Abu Dhabi, said: "Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week will serve as an ideal opportunity for participants to explore the emirate’s various tourist attractions, and gain insight into its vision for the tourism sector.

“In convening all these diverse activities, shows and associated events under a single platform, participants will be able to debate a wide range of topics related to the aerospace industry and work together on new avenues of regional and international collaboration in the industry.” 

Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazroui, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, added: "The Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase ADAC’s latest developments in the aviation industry, as well as the continued progress we have made in the development of airports under the ADAC management. Apart from contributing to the realisation of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, the event will help us cope with the robust growth in the tourism sector, which is driven by the increasing connectivity of our airport with a network of international airports through our national carrier Etihad Airways.” 

Al Mazroui added: “Abu Dhabi Airports is geared up to provide all kinds of technical and logistical support for the Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week and its associate exhibitions and conference. The success of the event will earn the emirate the much coveted position of the Middle East’s aerospace industry capital. It will also enable us to compete strongly in the global aviation market due to Abu Dhabi’s huge potential and sophisticated infrastructure that is capable of catering to both current and future needs of this vital sector.” 

As part of its agenda, ADAAW will stage the first Simulation Conference and Exhibition in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces. The segment is set to showcase the latest technologies in simulation systems used both in defence and civilian applications. The event will also include a dedicated corner for companies specialised in defence training and development.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company, will run from March 8 to 10 at Al Bateen Executive Airport. While Abu Dhabi Air Expo is expected to attract more than 13,000 visitors, the Middle East Aviation Career Exhibition & Conference is set to draw the participation of more than 500 students. 

The Abu Dhabi Air Expo, the first of its kind in the UAE and Abu Dhabi, will attract leading aviation specialists in light and medium aircraft from across the Middle East, providing a platform to showcase the latest products and innovations in the industry. This exhibition will specially focus on owners of private jets, as well as aircraft engineers and professional and amateur pilots, giving them an opportunity to explore a wide range of aircraft and related hardware, equipment and technologies. 

The Middle East Aviation Career Conference and Exhibition, on the other hand, will offer opportunities for those looking for careers within the aviation industry to meet and discuss with specialists opportunities within the industry. The definitive industry event will conclude with the two-day Red Bull Air Race at the Abu Dhabi Corniche on 11 and 12 March. Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Red Bull Air Race is expected to attract 80,000 visitors. Co-hosted by Abu Dhabi along with eight other cities, the event will offer spectators aerial action performed by world-famous daredevil pilots.