H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum today opened MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) 2026, unveiling the largest editions of the region’s premier aviation aftermarket exhibitions as Dubai cements its position at the heart of global aviation services.
Held over two days at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the co-located events bring together airlines, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from across the global aviation supply chain, amid rising regional demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul services and advanced cabin interior solutions.
The 17th edition has expanded into an additional exhibition hall and features more than 300 exhibitors for the first time. Organisers expect around 9,000 attendees, reflecting the Middle East’s growing influence as a hub for aviation innovation, investment and technical capability.
Speaking on the strategic outlook for the sector, Fraser Currie, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer of DAE Engineering, pointed to strong infrastructure development across the UAE, noting major facility investments by Airbus, flydubai and Emirates at Dubai World Central as key drivers of growth.
Several companies used the event to announce new initiatives, including GMF AeroAsia, which revealed plans to open a new Middle East facility to support heavy and line maintenance, aimed at reducing turnaround times and strengthening regional capacity.
Industry leaders also highlighted accelerating in-house maintenance strategies. In a fireside discussion, flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway said Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar investment in maintenance infrastructure will significantly reshape the regional landscape over the next few years.
As commercial fleets expand and flight frequencies rise, MRO Middle East and AIME 2026 underscore the sector’s rapid evolution and the region’s central role in supporting global aviation operations.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
