The UAE National Pavilion is set to participate in the 7th edition of the Marrakech Air Show, Africa’s premier event in the aviation sector. The event will take place at the military airbase in Marrakech, Morocco, from 30th October to 2nd November 2024, under the theme “Excellence and Innovation.”
Organised by the Emirates Defense Companies Council (EDCC), with support from the Ministry of Defense and Tawazun Council, the National Pavilion serves as a strategic platform for local companies specialising in defense industries. It offers them an opportunity to showcase their advanced products and technologies and to engage directly with representatives from global governments and companies.
The pavilion will feature nine local companies specializing in various fields of defense industries, including aerial systems, advanced technology. These companies include Edge Group, ( ADASI, AL TARIQ, ADVANCED CONCEPTS, HALCON, LAHAB and CARACAL), Venture one, Calidus Aerospace and Key Technologies.
The Marrakech Air Sho
w is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and is organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the National Defense Administration, with support from the Royal Air Force.
The exhibition is recognized as one of the leading global platforms launching from Africa, bringing together a select group of companies and experts from around the world to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in aviation, aerospace, and defense.
This edition places special emphasis on innovation and modern technology, with a designated area for startups and research and development projects. Additionally, the 2024 edition of the exhibition will officially welcome the first Apache (AH-64E) helicopter, as part of an agreement between Morocco and Boeing to produce 24 units for the Kingdom.
Mona Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairwoman of the EDCC, highlighted the importance of participation in international defense and aviation exhibitions.
She said, ‘The Marrakech Air Show serves as an ideal platform f
or fostering new partnerships and exploring the latest technologies, with the presence of key players in the aviation sector. Since its inception in 2008, the exhibition has experienced exceptional growth, reinforcing its significance and establishing it as one of the world’s leading exhibitions in aviation and aerospace.’
She added, ‘The participation of the National Pavilion is part of the Council’s strategy to enhance international relations and exchange expertise with various stakeholders, making the exhibition a significant opportunity for national defense companies to align with their global counterparts and showcase the latest innovations in defense.’
Al Jaber reiterated the Council’s commitment to supporting local talent to enable them to expand internationally and solidify their positions as leading companies in the defense sector worldwide. She noted that the National Pavilion at Marrakech exhibition marked the fifth international participation in the defense exhibitions this year, with the Counci
l concluding its 2024 participation at the Bahrain International Air Show and China Air Show next month.
For his part, Dr.Khalifa Al Blooshi, CEO of Calidus, emphasised the vital role of thee EDCC in supporting international participation.
He stated, ‘Our participation in such international exhibitions allows us to enhance our presence on the global stage and build strategic partnerships. The ongoing support from the Council drives us to showcase our most advanced products and technologies in the defense industry, contributing to the expansion of our business and increasing our competitive capabilities.’
This year, the exhibition will cover an area of 12,500 square meters, featuring over 200 exhibitors and approximately more than 75 official delegations. The current edition is expected to achieve unprecedented participation following a five-year hiatus, as the last exhibition took place in 2018 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will include exceptional aerial displays, as well as a program of high-le
vel seminars and meetings focusing on emerging trends and current and future strategic issues within the sector.
Source: Emirates News Agency