The 8th edition of Airport Security Middle East is set to take place from 6th to 8th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), as part of the 24th edition of Airport Show. Held under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event will provide a dynamic platform to address pressing concerns in airport security.
The three-day conference will delve into the current challenges, evolving threat landscapes, and future needs of airport security. Bringing together top-level decision-makers and industry leaders, the event aims to equip airports with the tools and insights needed to stay ahead of the curve through the adoption of innovative and futuristic technologies.
Networking and Business Growth Opportunities
The conference will serve as a hub for business networking and strategic collaboration, especially for stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With more than 120 exhibitors from over 20 countries, including national pavilions from Germany and Italy, and the presence of over 150 buyers from 30+ countries, the Airport Show continues to play a vital role in shaping the global airport security dialogue.
According to Airports Council International (ACI), global airport investment is expected to hit US$2.4 trillion by 2040, with a current project pipeline valued at US$589.1 billion as of Q3 2024. Of that, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) account for US$75.5 billion, while South Asia represents US$34 billion—underlining the significant regional focus and investment potential.
AI and Smart Security at the Forefront
As airports increasingly embrace digital transformation, AI-powered technologies are becoming central to modern security ecosystems. These smart systems, often integrated with cloud-based access controls, enable real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis, and faster threat response by reducing false alarms and enhancing situational awareness.
Highlighting the importance of advanced technologies, Colonel Engineer Expert Marwan Mohammad Singel, Director of Dubai Civil Aviation Security Center at Dubai Police, stated:
“Technology has become a supreme factor for airports to ensure security and safety of facilities, ease of travel and seamless journeys. Along with investing in the best-in-class security technology, we keep our staff well-trained to keep our airports ahead of others by facilitating smooth passenger movements all the time.”
Dubai continues to showcase its leadership in aviation excellence. In 2024, the city effectively managed 92.3 million passengers, making it one of only 50 global cities with two international airports under a single urban area. For a decade, DXB has remained the world’s top airport for international passenger traffic.
Showcasing Innovations and First-Time Launches
May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, the global events organiser behind the Airport Show, said:
“As airport security systems have to adapt and improvise continuously to meet new challenges and an ever-evolving threat landscape, the Airport Show is bringing an entire gamut of modern security products, several of them making their Middle Eastern debut.”
The event also comes at a pivotal time, with long-term growth forecasts pointing upward. Kamil Al Awadi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, noted:
“Passenger traffic is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.9 percent over 20 years, ending in 2043.”
With that outlook, Airport Security Middle East 2025 promises to be more than a conference—it is a vital gathering for those shaping the future of aviation safety and infrastructure in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
