Germany and Italy have emerged as the most prominent national participants at the Airport Show 2025 in Dubai, with a total of 47 companies exhibiting a diverse range of airport and aviation-related technologies. The exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Center, highlights the growing global collaboration in smart and sustainable aviation infrastructure.
The German Pavilion, organized under the umbrella of the German Airport Technology and Equipment association (GATE) and supported by the German government, features 22 leading companies.
Among them are COBUS, Beumer, Colibri Energy, Ammeraal Beltech, Euroteam Bauchemie and Forbo Siegling. These companies are showcasing technologies ranging from advanced airfield lighting systems to perimeter security, smart surveillance and automated solutions for airport operations.
“Organized with the support of the German government, the pavilion serves as a central platform to showcase advanced technologies, foster international partnerships and highlight Germany’s reputation as a key player in the global aerospace sector,” stated Kay Barenfanger, president of GATE.
25 Italian companies showcase latest innovations
Meanwhile, the Italian Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in the UAE and Air Tech Italy, includes 25 companies such as Leonardo, Enav Group, Fibrefence, Datalogic, OCEM Airfield Technology and EnterMed.
These companies bring forward innovative, efficient and environmentally conscious airport solutions, covering everything from ground systems to terminal architecture, smart lighting and airside automation.
The Italian participation at the Airport Show 2025 highlights the country’s growing strategic importance in delivering integrated aviation solutions worldwide. The pavilion also includes companies specializing in infrastructure design, ground support equipment and digital platforms supporting airport operations and air traffic control.
“Italian companies are contributing to a forward-looking vision that aligns with the UAE’s and the region’s ambitions for greener, smarter transport ecosystems. The presence at the Dubai Airport Show of 25 Italian companies reflects the maturity of Italy’s expertise in the sector and our continued investment in regional partnerships,” stated Lorenzo Fanara, ambassador of Italy to the UAE.
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Mechanical engineering drives UAE-Italy trade growth
Italy’s expanded presence at the Dubai Airport Show 2025 also reflects the broader strength of bilateral trade between the two countries. In 2024, total trade between Italy and the UAE reached €9.9 billion. Italian exports rose to €7.8 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 19.4 percent and setting a new all-time record. Meanwhile, imports stood at €2 billion, generating a robust trade surplus of €5.8 billion.
This growth is particularly evident in high-impact sectors such as mechanical engineering, which alone accounted for €1.5 billion in exports, up 27 percent year-on-year. These figures reaffirm Italy’s position as the UAE’s 10th largest supplier and its second-largest from the EU, underlining the country’s rising strategic and economic significance in the Gulf region.
“Italy’s presence at this year’s Dubai Airport Show is larger and more strategic. Aviation and mobility technologies are playing a key role in our deepening economic ties with the UAE and the wider GCC region. From packaging machinery to infrastructure systems, Italian exports continue to gain traction, and we see particular potential in aviation-related sectors,” stated Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Director of ITA in the UAE.
