★ Dubai Airshow

01Why it matters

Dubai is where the airline order book is written. The Gulf's long-haul carriers, the region's defence budgets and the emirate's own ambitions in aviation logistics converge on one desert apron for five days, and the manufacturers structure their commercial year around it.

02The week around it

Mid-November is the beginning of Dubai's good season and one of the busiest fortnights in its calendar; hotel demand across the city rises and the road south to Dubai World Central carries heavy morning traffic for the duration.

03When to arrive

Arrive the Sunday before.

04Where to stay

There is a genuine choice between proximity and the city. Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are the closest established districts to Dubai World Central, roughly thirty minutes out, and are where most delegations base themselves.

05Access and hospitality

The airshow is run as a trade event. Registration is for aerospace and defence professionals, delegations and accredited media, handled through the organiser's site; the public pages invite registration of interest rather than offering general admission.

06Where the social activity happens

During the show, the chalet line and the hall concourses are where business is done; in the evenings the industry disperses into the Marina, Downtown and Business Bay, where manufacturers, airlines and national delegations host dinners on their own lists.

07Getting there

08Practicalities

09History

The event began in 1986 as Arab Air, a modest civil aviation trade show, and the first airshow proper was staged in 1989 at Dubai International Airport.

10Who is there

Airline fleet planners and chief executives; aircraft, engine and systems manufacturers; defence ministries and armed forces delegations; lessors, financiers and insurers; airport and air-navigation operators; space and unmanned-systems companies; national pavilion exhibitors; and a large international aerospace press contingent.