Bahrain International Airshow strengthens global partnerships & secures nine new exhibitors for 2026 edition
In line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, led Bahrain’s official delegation to the Dubai Airshow 2025 and attended the prestigious Opening Ceremony.
As part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s preparations for the 8th edition of the event, to be held under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, from 18-20 November 2026 at Sakhir Air Base, His Excellency’s participation in the Dubai Airshow reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting Bahrain’s growing role as a regional hub for aviation and aerospace excellence.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai, and the UAE Minister of Defence, the Dubai Airshow’s 39-year history has made it an international hub for collaboration and business growth in the aerospace sector.
The event enabled BIAS to strengthen partnerships with leading global industry players, with nine international organisations securing their participation in the 2026 airshow, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the next edition of the show. The newly confirmed participants include global industry leaders Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Thales, as well as Joramco, DFS Aviation, Chevron, Al Oula Aviation, and Valo Aviation, among others. These signings underscore international confidence in Bahrain’s ability to host a world-class aviation platform that facilitates collaboration, innovation, and investment across the global aerospace ecosystem.
During the Dubai Airshow, His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa held a series of high-level meetings with senior representatives from major international aviation and aerospace companies, including: GACA, SAMI, Tawazun Council, Eve Air Mobility, Chevron, DAE Engineering / Joramco, Kallman Worldwide, Thales, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Emirates Airline & Group, Oman Air, Inegma, Alpha Star Aviation, Aloula Aviation / Saudi Aramco, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, DFS Group, DFS Aviation Services GmbH, DFS Aviation Services Bahrain Co WLL, UAE Space Agency, and BAE Systems. Discussions centred on advancing cooperation, fostering technological innovation, and encouraging participation in BIAS 2026, which continues to serve as a strategic platform connecting manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and innovators from around the world.
On the sidelines of the extensive delegation schedule, His Excellency the Minister also toured several exhibitors’ pavilions to learn about the latest advancements in the aviation and aerospace sectors, receiving briefings on next-generation technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across global air transport and tourism. These innovations, spanning modern, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient aircraft, advanced airport operations and air navigation systems, as well as cutting-edge ground services and air cargo solutions, collectively support the continued growth and excellence of the aviation industry.
Commenting on the occasion, His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said: “The Bahrain International Airshow continues to strengthen its global reputation as a dynamic platform for connecting decision-makers and driving collaboration across the aviation and aerospace sectors. Our engagement at the Dubai Airshow has yielded exceptional outcomes, and we are delighted to have secured the participation of several leading companies ahead of the 2026 edition. This reflects Bahrain’s position as a trusted destination for high-level business engagement and innovation.”
Organised by the BIAS Supreme Organising Committee in cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Air Force, and in association with Farnborough International, the Bahrain International Airshow has established itself as one of the Middle East’s most influential aviation events. The biennial show offers unparalleled opportunities for business development, government and industry dialogue, and showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing aviation excellence in line with its Economic Vision 2030.
Preparations for the Bahrain International Airshow 2026 are well underway, as Bahrain looks forward to welcoming global partners, exhibitors, and visitors to Sakhir Air Base from 18 to 20 November 2026.
