Dubai Airshow cancels Israeli defence firms’ participation after technical review

Image: WAM/Website

Dubai Airshow has cancelled the participation of all six Israeli defence companies that were scheduled to attend next month’s biennial event following a “technical review,” the show’s organiser confirmed. Informa Markets, which manages the event, did not provide additional details regarding the decision.

“The [Israeli] exhibitors that were previously coming won’t be participating,” said Tim Hawes, managing director of Informa Markets, at a press conference. “There was a technical review which we do of all companies that take part in the show,” he added, noting that the decision was made by the airshow’s technical committee.

This development follows similar instances at other global events. Earlier this year, Israeli defence firms were blocked from exhibiting at the Paris Air Show, with Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI, and Uvision having their stands covered. The UK also barred representatives from Israel’s Ministry of Defence from attending the DSEI defence exhibition.

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Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s largest aviation events, is expected to host more than 1,500 exhibitors and 148,000 industry professionals from over 150 countries, showcasing the latest in aerospace innovation. The airshow is scheduled to take place from November 17–21, 2025, at the Dubai World Central (DWC) Airshow Site.