Dubai: Airport developments in Gulf countries are valued more than $43 billion and the huge scale of such projects is expected to significantly increase the number of visitors and industry participants at the forthcoming Airport Show in Dubai, the event's organisers said.

The Middle East, Africa and South Asia are all seeing airport expansions, with the largest greenfield development being Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali.

Big player

The UAE accounts for roughly half of the Gulf's ongoing airport projects, including $10 billion project in Jebel Ali and the $6.8-billion expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The region's airport expansions are driven by rapid economic growth and increased passenger traffic, according to research conducted by Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of Airport Show, which will attract companies involved in construction, operations, technology and services.

Taking place in June, the event is expected to feature a line-up of more than 550 exhibitors, with 12 national pavilions representing Britain, Germany, France, Singapore, Chine, Australia and New Zealand and several other countries.

"The exhibition presents an outstanding opportunity for airport contractors and suppliers, looking to capitalise on the regional airport boom," said Nick Webb, director of Streamline Marketing Group.

Target audience

The event will also target government officials, consultants and contractors behind many of the region's airport development as well as ground handlers, security personnel and airline representatives.

A dedicated section for air traffic control, ground handling and aviation security Middle East and the launch of airport show conference will be new this year.

Projects: Major overhaul

  • Al Maktoum International Airport, UAE - $10b
  • King Abdul Aziz, Madinah and Tabuk Airports, Saudi Arabia - $11.3b
  • New Doha International Airport (NDIA), Qatar - $5.5b
  • Airports Authority of India's modernisation of smaller airports in India - $4b
  • Mumbai International Airport (MIAL), India - $1.5b
  • New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA), Pakistan - $400m
  • Tripoli International Airport, plus 5 new airports, Libya - $3.5b
  • Cairo International Airport and other airports, Egypt - $850m
  • Tambo and Johannesburg International Airports and other regional development, South Africa - $725m
  • New Khartoum International Airport, Sudan -$530m
  • Enfidha and Monastir Airports, Tunisia: $532m
  • Mohammad V International & Benslimane Airports, Morocco - $565m