The wider world aerospace industry will be back here at the Dubai Airport Expo site for the 12th edition of the biennial Dubai Air Show next December 13 to 17. Companies wanting to exhibit at the 2011 show can lock into frozen 2009 prices if they make a booking before the end of this month.

The 2009 Dubai Air Show achieved growth of around 18 percent, with increased exhibitor numbers from companies based in the Middle East and North Africa, reflecting growing aerospace activity in this region. The event attracted 890 exhibitors from 47 different countries and almost 53,000 trade visitors from 138 countries.

Show organizer F&E Aerospace (Booth No. E313), which also runs the MEBA show, is anticipating that the 2011 show will draw as many as 950 exhibitors. Despite the unsettled world economy, the Middle East is still seeing increased spending in the air transport and defense sectors. More than $14 billion worth of deals were announced at the 2009 Dubai Air Show (www.dubaiairshow.aero).