Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Showcasing MENA Aviation

The biennial Farnborough International Airshow (FIA)—the world’s second-largest and the UK’s biggest aerospace and defence event—takes place from 20 to 24 July 2026. This five-day trade exhibition focuses on buying and selling commercial and military aircraft and is open to the public only on the final Friday.

This year, the MENA region’s aviation and defence sectors are out in full force across the exhibition halls, summits and displays showcasing homegrown aerospace manufacturing and infrastructure.

MENA Highlights: Fleets and Summits

  • Saudi Arabia: The Saudi government and investment organisations are attending the Aerospace Global Forum. Riyadh Air may finalise a deal for 25–30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. 
  • United Arab Emirates: GAL plans to strengthen partnerships, exchange insights, and explore collaborations, while Mubadala Investment Company joins the Global Finance Summit. Etihad Airways may complete a deal for ten Boeing 787 widebody jets.
  • Morocco: AMDIE is hosting a dedicated international pavilion on the exhibition floor to demonstrate the country’s aerospace manufacturing sector and supply chain integration.
  • Egypt: The ECAA is actively networking and laying the groundwork for the El Alamein International Airshow scheduled for September 2026.
  • Oman: The CAA is present to discuss new airspace management initiatives following recent multi-mission radar procurements.
  • Jordan: CARC is promoting its governance model as a financially and administratively independent statutory body.

Aerial Displays and Defence Talks

Fursan Al Emarat Aerobatics Show: Daily from Monday, 20 July, through Thursday, 23 July, the UAE’s elite aerobatic team will fly a seven-aircraft display representing the seven emirates. This performance debuts the Chinese-built Hongdu L-15 advanced jet trainer, marking a permanent shift away from legacy European platforms.

SBJBC Roundtable: A closed-door UK-Saudi Defence and Aerospace Trade Roundtable is scheduled for Wednesday, 22 July, from 11:00 to 13:00.

National Mourning: Qatar Withdraws 

Sadly, Qatar withdrew from the event on 13 July. Despite initial plans for a massive commercial and luxury exhibition, the airline abruptly cancelled, honouring a period of national mourning following the passing of the Father Amir.

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