How aviation brands can dominate the Dubai Airshow 2025 with fast outdoor activation

The Dubai Airshow 2025, held at Dubai World Central (DWC) from 17 to 21 November, set a new benchmark for global aerospace events. This year’s edition reported 248,788 visitors, 490 civil and military delegations from 115 countries, 1,500 exhibitors including 440 new participants and an impressive 219 aircraft on display. With more than $202 billion in deals announced, the Airshow has continued its rise as the most influential meeting point for aviation leaders, decision-makers, innovators and media.

For aviation and aviation-tech brands, the event is about more than exhibition space. It represents a high-stakes visibility race where the winners establish presence before competitors even land. With senior executives, engineers, procurement heads, and government delegations flying into Dubai from every major aviation market, brands that dominate the physical environment surrounding the Airshow gain a decisive advantage. The opportunity lies in the spaces these audiences pass through first: the airports, the arrival routes and the districts that connect the city to Dubai World Central.

The world’s aviation stage and your brand’s moment

Dubai’s aviation influence is accelerating, driven by major national investments in infrastructure, aerospace innovation and air mobility. DWC, the Airshow venue, is progressing toward its long-term vision of becoming the world’s largest airport. This year’s edition reinforces that direction, reporting milestones such as:

• $202+ billion in aircraft and aerospace orders
• 248,788 visitors, including more than 148,000 trade visitors
• 1,500 exhibitors, with 440 first-time participants
• 219 aircraft showcased, including next-generation commercial jets, military aircraft, AAM platforms, autonomous concept and electric mobility systems
• 490 civil and military delegations from 115 countries 

The result is a global hub where future-defining announcements happen daily. This year alone saw:

• Major aircraft orders: Emirates placed orders for 65 Boeing 777X aircraft, Etihad Airways confirmed 32 new Airbus aircraft and flydubai signed for 75 Boeing aircraft and 250 Airbus aircraft, marking one of the UAE’s largest combined fleet expansions to date.
• Flydubai upgrades: flydubai announced the launch of a full Premium Economy cabin across its Boeing fleet and confirmed that free, high-speed Starlink WiFi will be available for all passengers.
• UAE space advancements: The UAE shared new updates on Rashid Rover 2, which will target the far side of the moon and is scheduled to launch in 2026 aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander.
• Regent Sea Glider reveal: The Regent Sea Glider, an all-electric craft capable of carrying 12 passengers at speeds of up to 300 km/h over water, was showcased as part of the UAE’s investment in next-generation coastal aviation.
• Advanced Air Mobility focus: AAM technologies took centre stage, with new discussions on regulation, infrastructure, and partnership models that will shape the Middle East’s emerging electric and autonomous mobility ecosystem.
• AI and automation partnerships: Abu Dhabi’s Sanad and Strata announced expanded collaborations with Sinddan to accelerate AI-enabled aerospace automation and manufacturing across the region.

With an environment this dynamic, aviation brands cannot rely solely on the visibility inside their exhibition stands. The competition for attention begins long before attendees reach DWC.

Why awareness starts before the runway

Exhibitions offer moments of connection, but outdoor advertising captures the entire journey. Every visitor, from CEOs to procurement teams to global journalists, arrives through key touchpoints that shape their perception before the event even begins.

By the time they step onto the Airshow floor, they have already absorbed the brand stories that surrounded them at the airport and along the route.

Outdoor and DOOH campaigns placed strategically across the UAE transform pre-event visibility into competitive advantage. They enable brands to:

• Build recognition before visitors reach any exhibition hall
• Influence perception during key decision-making moments
• Maintain visibility throughout the city during the Airshow week
• Extend brand recall across GCC markets as delegates travel home

In the context of 248,788 visitors, many of whom represent the world’s largest aviation, defence, and aerospace companies, this visibility is invaluable.

Where aviation brands take flight

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

As the world’s busiest international airport and the primary gateway for delegates attending the show, Dubai International Airport is an essential visibility point.

Brands can secure:

• High-impact DOOH screens across Terminal 1, 2 and 3.
• Large-format digital and static placements in arrivals zones
• Premium sites in lounges and transfer corridors

Dubai World Central (DWC)

The venue of the Airshow is surrounded by high-traffic corridors used exclusively by industry visitors.

Strategic placements include:

• Static and digital formats along the airport access roads
• Event-area wraps near hospitality and VIP zones
• large-format banners targeting decision-makers

Saudi Airports and wider GCC hubs

With several delegations originating from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, multi-market visibility ensures continuity after the show.

Targeted formats include:

• DOOH screens at Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED) and Dammam (DMM)
• Premium sites at Bahrain (BAH), Kuwait (KWI), Muscat (MCT) and Doha (DOH)
• High-impact roadside media along commercial corridors

Fast activation is now the competitive edge

Where traditional airport and OOH planning takes months, Gulf Airport Advertising specialises in rapid multi-airport activation. For brands working to align campaigns with the Airshow’s timeline, speed is a decisive advantage.

We deliver:

• Rapid planning and media booking across major Gulf airports
• Creative adaptation for every format and screen type.
• Simultaneous multi-market rollout across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and GCC
• Centralised coordination for seamless campaign control

That’s how we help brands own visibility before competitors have even launched. In a year where the Airshow delivered record attendance and engagement, the ability to activate quickly ensures visibility at precisely the right moment. moment.

Visibility that follows the audience

Pre-Event Visibility

Reach global visitors the moment they land. Capture attention across DXB, airport roads, and business districts.

During the Airshow

Dominate visibility across DWC, key commuter routes, and hotel districts with live DOOH messaging that adapts by time and traffic flow.

Post-Event Presence

Extend awareness across Saudi and GCC cities as delegates return home, ensuring your brand stays top of mind long after the show closes.

This full-journey approach amplifies the impact of every exhibition stand, presentation and product reveal.

Why brands choose us

Aviation brands rely on Gulf Airport Advertising because we provide:

• Rapid activation: campaigns delivered in weeks
• Cross-market reach: unified presence across UAE, Saudi Arabia, and GCC
• Aviation-sector expertise: deep understanding of aviation and mobility audiences
• End-to-end service: strategy, planning, creative and execution

As the Dubai Airshow 2025 demonstrates record attendance and commercial momentum, this coordinated visibility becomes essential. When the world’s aviation leaders converge on Dubai, your brand deserves to stand out across every touchpoint from runway to road.

FAQs

Why should aviation and tech brands advertise around the Dubai Airshow 2025?

The Dubai Airshow attracts global aviation leaders, decision-makers, and media. Outdoor and DOOH campaigns ensure your brand is visible to these audiences across key travel touchpoints: before, during and after the event, boosting awareness beyond the exhibition floor.

What are the key 2025 updates aviation brands should consider?

The Airshow recorded 248,788 visitors, 1,500 exhibitors, and $202 billion in deals. With increased participation and competition, early visibility is more important than ever.

How quickly can outdoor campaigns be activated before the Airshow?

Our team can plan, book and launch campaigns within weeks, not months. This rapid turnaround allows brands to go live quickly and align perfectly with the Airshow’s build-up period.

Can brands extend campaigns beyond Dubai?

Absolutely. We activate outdoor and DOOH campaigns across Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and other GCC markets, helping brands sustain visibility regionally even after the Airshow concludes.