Each year, the Airport Show in Dubai sets the stage for what’s next in passenger experience, airport development, and brand engagement opportunities. For brands looking to capture attention across the Gulf region, one clear message rang through this year’s event: airports are evolving into powerful, data-driven advertising environments. The Airport Show runs from April 6th - 8th in 2025.

Airports as Immersive Brand Spaces

As passenger numbers return to—and exceed—pre-pandemic levels, GCC airports are doubling down on expansion and modernisation. Dubai International (DXB) and Zayed International Airport (AUH), two of the busiest hubs in the region, are at the forefront of integrating technology and passenger-centric design.

What does this mean for advertisers? More digital screens, smarter ad placements, and deeper integration into the travel journey. Whether it’s programmatic digital out-of-home pDOOH triggered by flight data, or premium branding zones in business lounges, the opportunities to reach a high-value audience are growing by the day. We recently showcased how e& are embracing pDOOH at DXB.

📍 Want to explore advertising options at DXB or AUH? See what’s possible here

Key Trends from the Airport Show 2025

Several themes at this year’s show were directly relevant to the advertising landscape:

• Digital Transformation: Airports showcased AI-powered wayfinding, facial recognition for check-ins, and interactive kiosks—all of which can be enhanced with brand content or sponsorships.
• Sustainability: With the GCC's focus on green airports, sustainability-themed campaigns and eco-conscious brand messaging are gaining traction.
• Passenger Experience: From luxury lounges to immersive retail zones, every aspect of the airport is becoming a touchpoint for advertising and brand storytelling.

One standout example was the demonstration of real-time audience analytics in key concourses. For advertisers, this means better measurement and proof of ROI, closing the loop between campaign launch and performance insight.

Why GCC Airports Are Prime for Brand Exposure

The Gulf region boasts some of the world’s most luxurious and well-connected airports, making them ideal platforms for targeting:

• High-spending international travellers
• Frequent flyers and business decision-makers
• Culturally diverse and brand-aware audiences

Airports like Doha’s Hamad International (DOH), Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz (JED), and Muscat International (MCT) continue to expand both their terminals and media infrastructure, offering brands a chance to engage audiences where they’re most attentive—while in transit.

🌍 Interested in other locations across the Gulf? See our full airport list

Maximising Your Campaign Impact

With the trends highlighted at the Airport Show in mind, here’s how brands can capitalise on the moment:

• Go digital-first: Leverage high-impact DOOH screens at check-in zones, duty-free corridors, and arrival halls.
• Use data smartly: Work with partners like Gulf Airport Advertising to tap into flight schedules and passenger profiling for contextual messaging.
• Think regionally: A pan-GCC campaign spanning DXB, AUH, DOH, and RUH can create brand consistency across key travel routes.

At Gulf Airport Advertising, we help brands navigate the logistics and creative strategy of airport campaigns across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Whether you’re launching a new luxury product, a destination brand, or a financial service, we connect you to the right audiences, in the right terminals, at the right time.