Dubai Helishow – The next big event for the regional aviation sector

Mediac Communications today announced the dates of the 2010 Dubai Helishow, the Middle East region’s largest trade show for the helicopter industry. The fourth edition of the Dubai Helishow – the International Civil and Military Helicopter Technology and Operations Exhibition will cater to the region’s growing civil, medical, military, and search and rescue sector needs. The biennial event will feature the latest product offerings from leading helicopter manufacturers, and suppliers of specialized technologies and services from across the world, and will be held at the Dubai Airport Expo Centre from November 2-4, 2010.

Mr. Abdulla Abulhoul, CEO, Mediac Communications & Exhibitions LLC, said: “Helicopters are extremely versatile craft and are easily adapted for a variety of roles in both civil and military sectors. The Dubai Helishow 2010 will showcase the latest helicopter products and services, highlight developments and bring the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers to Dubai, thus providing regional decision makers the best of the world at their doorstep.”

The Dubai Helishow will also host the first Military & Homeland Security Exhibition. The exhibition which will be complemented by the Defense & Paramilitary Conference will draw senior speakers from both the military and industry and outline the technological developments taking place within military and paramilitary helicopter communities. Together the exhibition and conference will bring into sharp focus the growing market for homeland security, homeland defense solutions, and provide visitors access to a comprehensive set of product and service providers.

Mr. Abulhoul said: “The addition of the Military & Homeland Security Exhibition will enable the Dubai Helishow to offer a broad platform to exhibitors who have product offerings in both the civil and military markets. We are delighted to have global industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and Eurocopter exhibiting with us this year.”

Joe Garland, Director of International Business Development for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control said: “Lockheed Martin is the world’s leading provider of precision engagement and situational awareness technologies for fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. We look forward to exhibiting at the Dubai Helishow and visitors will get a chance to see our advanced helicopter systems including the Arrowhead M-TADS/PNVS, Longbow Fire Control Radar, VUIT, Target Sight System, HELLFIRE and DAGR that provide unrivaled capabilities to soldiers in the air and on the ground. Our Gyrocam Systems are also ideal for airborne ISR missions for civilian applications. The Middle East continues to play an important role in providing these critical capabilities to our international customers.”

Mr. Abulhoul added: “In a report on the UAE’s health sector, the WHO points out that the rapid growth in the UAE has been mirrored in the local healthcare sector. This in turn has spurred the evolution of the air medical and rescue services. With development taking place across the mainland and coastal areas, there is a growing dependence on helicopters for transportation of passengers and equipment, as well as the transportation of patients and supplies during emergencies. The Dubai HeliShow 2010 will help meet the critical needs of various organizations and play a vital role in the strategic development of the region.”

Xavier Hay, Eurocopter’s Vice President – Customers Relations for Middle East and Africa, commented: “With the fast-growing population and large urban infrastructures in the Middle East region, helicopter missions such as public security and emergency medical services (EMS) are expected to steadily develop in the coming years. Eurocopter offers the largest fleet of helicopters, designed to perform these missions as well as offshore, tourism, corporate and VIP transportation, and military operations. The 2010 Dubai Helishow is an excellent opportunity for Eurocopter to showcase its newest helicopter products and services, underscoring its position as one of the leading supplier of helicopters in the Middle East region for more than 30 years with a fleet of 650 aircraft.”