In four decades, the United Arab Emirates has emerged from a forgotten corner of Arabia to become one of the world's most powerful small nations. This year's Dubai air show, being held from 13-17 November, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of a country that has become a force in global aviation.

The company behind the biennial event - Fairs & Exhibitions - is also confident of breaking the 1,000-exhibitor milestone for the first time. "Last time, we had 890, but we have been growing at around 10% a year, so we think that figure is within our reach," said F&E managing director Alison Weller.

The show will highlight the spectacular growth of the UAE's aviation sector, which includes flag-carriers Emirates and Etihad, and Dubai International, now one of the world's busiest airports.

"We will be joining in the celebration to show what's been achieved," said Weller.

Also new for 2011 are two initiatives that focus on the need in the UAE and the wider region to recruit and train local citizens for careers in the industry.

The Gulf Aviation Training Event will give airlines and training providers a chance to discuss the various challenges around bringing a new generation of pilots, engineers and other professionals into the sector, while a futures day will involve schools and colleges bringing students to the show in an attempt to interest them in aviation.

Weller is also confident of some headline deals. "We think Emirates may well have some orders to announce, and possibly Qatar Airways too," she said. "On the military side, there are a lot of RFPs [request for proposals] being issued, and the show starts on the last day of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1, which could attract some of the business aviation community."

Flightglobal will be covering the Dubai air show from every angle, with breaking news, video and social media updates on flightglobal.com throughout the event and three editions of Flight Daily News published at the show.

Source: Flight Daily News