The Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024 opened on Tuesday in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing together around 500 exhibitors from across the world to showcase cutting-edge technology and highlight emerging trends in the aviation industry.
With a special focus on sustainable aviation development and urban air mobility planning, the three-day event is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors.
From autonomous flying vehicles to sustainable aviation solutions, the expo underscores the growing importance of air travel as a viable alternative to ground transport in congested urban areas while also significantly reducing delivery times.
"This is the future. As the urban cities are getting more and more crowded and traffic is getting more and more congested, I think this (eVTOL aircraft) is something that would help us save time to travel and spend more time with your loved ones," said David Liu from a local eVTOL aircraft manufacturer.
For the first time, the expo has introduced a dedicated Middle East Aviation Career Zone to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding Middle East aviation market.
According to the Global Services Forecast by leading European aerospace corporation Airbus, the Middle East commercial aircraft service market is projected to more than double in value by 2042, rising from 12 billion U.S. dollars now to 28 billion dollars. The region will also need some 208,000 skilled aviation professionals over the next 20 years.
This year's air show offers a platform to those looking for career opportunities within the aviation sector, with over 40 flight training schools in attendance to nurture the next generation of aviation talents.
"As you see here, many aviation schools and aviation companies are in this exhibition. Every airline is going to have expanded fleets and this expanded fleet needs more employees, more students, more graduates," said Abdallah Abadleh, director of Mid-East Aviation Academy.
The expo is also showcasing aircraft for medical transport, logistics delivery, tourism, and more. Throughout the event, industry experts will explore the latest advancements in aerospace technology, with discussions covering electric aircraft, urban air mobility, and fully autonomous flight systems.
Founded in 2012, the Air Expo Abu Dhabi has played a vital role in building the city into a global aviation hub.
Air Expo Abu Dhabi opens to explore future of aviation industry
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
