Dubai, UAE – November 14, 2025 – The Dubai Airshow 2025, the Middle East’s largest aviation and defense event, is set to spotlight new jet orders, aircraft innovations, and geopolitical shifts in global aviation. Scheduled from November 17-21, the biennial show will see Airbus and Boeing vying for orders, while Chinese and Russian aircraft make their regional debuts.

Airbus Targets Gulf Orders After Boeing’s Success

After a high-profile U.S. presidential tour in May that delivered tens of billions in Boeing deals, Airbus (AIR.PA) is expected to take center stage at the Dubai Airshow to close the order gap. Sources indicate Airbus may target flydubai’s fleet as the low-cost carrier considers its first European jet order, potentially splitting purchases between Airbus and Boeing.

Stuart Hatcher, chief economist at aviation consultancy IBA, forecasts a “reasonable” haul of roughly 300 orders at the show, including Airbus A350-1000s for Emirates. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways is also expected to order more than a dozen wide-body Airbus jets, reinforcing the company’s footprint in the Gulf aviation market.

Bloomberg reports that Airbus is in discussions for 30 long-haul jets with Emirates, following previous delays caused by engine performance standoffs at the 2023 event. Boeing, meanwhile, continues to face delays in the 777X program, highlighting supply challenges even as overall aviation demand remains strong.

Global Aviation Trends and Regional Competition

The Gulf aviation market remains a competitive hub, with carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad continuing to thrive despite challenges from rising airlines in Turkey, India, and Saudi Arabia. Analysts note that the Gulf’s meteoric aviation growth shows resilience, as new entrants gradually build capacity without immediately threatening established carriers.

A resurgent Air India, with near-record aircraft orders, may gradually capture some regional traffic, though analysts predict a slow transition. Meanwhile, the COMAC C919, China’s first competitor to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320neo, will make its Dubai Airshow debut, targeting Middle Eastern and African sales. Analysts caution that Western certification could take years before the C919 becomes a serious contender outside Asia.

Defense Sector Highlights

The Dubai Airshow also serves as a major defense showcase, featuring new fighter jets and defense technology. Russia is debuting its Su-57E stealth fighter in Dubai, while Lockheed Martin may attract regional interest in the F-35, particularly following developments in Saudi Arabia’s long-rumored acquisition plans. Analysts speculate that approval for Saudi purchases could pave the way for the UAE and other Gulf states to access top-tier U.S. fighter technology.

Additionally, U.S. defense startups, including Anduril, are expanding in the UAE through partnerships with Abu Dhabi’s EDGE, focusing on drone development and advanced military technology.

Outlook for Dubai Airshow 2025

As the aviation and defense sectors converge at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, industry watchers will monitor aircraft orders, supply chain challenges, and emerging competitors. With Airbus aiming to reclaim its footing, Boeing facing delays, and new entrants like China’s C919 and Russia’s Su-57E challenging the status quo, the event underscores Dubai’s role as a global aviation and defense hub.

The show coincides with Emirates’ 40th anniversary, celebrating the airline’s pivotal role in establishing the UAE as a central aviation junction capable of connecting nearly the entire world. Industrial growth in the country, with output rising 4.9% year-on-year, underscores a strong economic backdrop supporting continued aviation expansion.