
Global Airports Forum Drives Middle Eastern Aviation Growth
July 30, 2025 · 4 min read
by Harshit Dabhi
The aviation industry is witnessing unprecedented growth across the Middle East. The Global Airports Forum is going to take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center on December 16–17, 2025. It will cover 15,000 square meters and feature 300 global exhibitors and over 10,000 attendees. This massive gathering represents more than just another trade show. It's a pivotal moment where the future of Gulf aviation unfolds before our eyes.
Saudi Arabia Leads Regional Airport Revolution
The Global Airports Forum is the largest dedicated airport event. It focuses on Saudi Arabia's massive airport expansion and modernisation requirements. The timing couldn't be more perfect for brands looking to establish their presence in the region's booming airports.
Recent developments paint an exciting picture for the Gulf's aviation future:
- King Salman International Airport will accommodate 120 million passengers annually when completed in 2030.
- The airport's expansion will make it one of the largest aviation hubs in the world, with a projected annual capacity of 185 million passengers by 2050.
- Saudi Arabia has announced new master plans for King Fahd International Airport, Al-Ahsa and Al-Qaisumah international airports as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.
Gulf Airports Become Global Advertising Destinations
The transformation happening across Gulf airports creates extraordinary opportunities for brand visibility. With passenger numbers skyrocketing and infrastructure expanding rapidly, airports like Dubai International (DXB), Hamad International (DOH), and Abu Dhabi International (AUH) offer premium advertising opportunities.
The Global Airports Forum highlights exactly why Gulf airports are magnetic for international brands:
- Massive passenger volumes creating unparalleled reach
- High-spending travellers with extended dwell times
- State-of-the-art facilities designed for premium experiences
- Strategic locations connecting East and West

Innovation Drives Passenger Experience Forward
The event showcases the latest airport technologies, innovations, and solutions through exhibitions, conferences with global experts, and networking opportunities connecting industry leaders, decision-makers, and investors. These innovations directly impact how brands can engage with travellers.
Modern Gulf airports are evolving into entertainment destinations rather than simple transit points. Sharjah International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, and Bahrain International Airport are embracing digital displays, interactive experiences, and immersive brand activations.
Expansion Projects Create Fresh Opportunities
Additional projects include the Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia, expected to handle one million passengers annually by 2030, and the expansion of Sharjah International Airport in the UAE, due for completion by 2026. Each expansion represents new advertising inventory coming online.
The scale of investment flowing into Gulf aviation infrastructure is staggering:
- Multi-billion dollar terminal expansions
- Advanced passenger processing systems
- Premium retail and dining environments
- Enhanced digital infrastructure capabilities
Regional Competition Heats Up
The Global Airports Forum arrives as Gulf states compete fiercely to become the region's aviation hub. This competition benefits advertisers tremendously. Airports are investing heavily in passenger experience improvements, creating more sophisticated advertising environments.
Al Maktoum International Airport and Muscat International Airport are expanding rapidly to capture market share. Meanwhile, established players like Riyadh King Khalid International Airport and Dammam King Fahd International Airport are modernising extensively.
Technology Revolutionises Airport Advertising
The forum's focus on innovation extends to advertising technology. Gulf airports are pioneers in adopting:
- Ultra-high-definition LED displays
- Augmented reality brand experiences
- Personalised digital advertising platforms
- Biometric-triggered content delivery
- Smart location-based messaging
These technological advances allow brands to create memorable experiences that traditional advertising simply cannot match.
Strategic Positioning for Global Brands
The Global Airports Forum demonstrates why Gulf airports represent the perfect storm for international advertising. Massive passenger growth, infrastructure investment, and technological innovation combine to create advertising environments that deliver exceptional results.
Brands seeking maximum impact should consider the unique advantages Gulf airports offer. The region's airports provide access to diverse, affluent traveller demographics from across continents. Business travellers, leisure tourists, and transit passengers all spend significant time in these premium environments.
Join the Gulf Airport Revolution
Don't miss your chance to be part of this aviation revolution. Contact Gulf Airport Advertising today to discover how your brand can thrive in the region's most dynamic airports. Our team specialises in creating impactful campaigns across all major Gulf airports, from concept to execution.
Reach out through our contact us page to start your Gulf airport advertising journey. The future of aviation marketing is happening now in the Gulf, and your brand should be part of it.
by Harshit Dabhi
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