RX Global

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 19, 2025 – The 8th edition of Airport Security Middle East will be held from May 6 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) alongside the 24th Airport Show. This three-day event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, will focus on the changing dynamics of airport security, addressing current challenges, emerging threats, and future needs.

As a part of the Airport Show, this edition will gather global airport leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to discuss how airports can maintain security and efficiency amidst evolving threats and technologies. The event will serve as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and providing networking and business prospects for professionals from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Featuring over 120 exhibitors from 20+ countries, the Airport Show will include dedicated country pavilions for Germany and Italy and will welcome more than 150 buyers from 30 nations. This premier B2B platform for the airport industry in the region will showcase the latest advancements in aviation infrastructure, security, and smart technologies.

Global airport investments are on the rise, with projections from Airports Council International (ACI) suggesting investments could reach US$2.4 trillion by 2040. As of Q3 2024, the global pipeline for airport projects stood at US$589.1 billion, with the Middle East and Africa (MEA) accounting for US$75.5 billion and South Asia contributing US$34 billion. According to CAPA data, 81.4% of global airport infrastructure projects are currently in the pre-execution or execution phase, totaling US$483.2 billion.

Technological advancements, notably Artificial Intelligence (AI), are reshaping airport security practices. Airports are increasingly adopting digital, cloud-based, and AI-driven access control systems to enhance threat detection capabilities by analyzing real-time video feeds, reducing false alarms, and improving response times. Smart systems utilizing computer vision, behavioral analytics, and threat intelligence platforms are aiding in identifying suspicious activities, detecting weapons through thermal imaging, and enhancing screening precision.

Airport security is a mounting concern in the Middle East due to the escalating air traffic in the region. In 2024, the region’s carriers experienced a 9.4% growth in traffic, with capacity and load factor also increasing. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that the number of passengers in the Middle East will rise to 530 million by 2043, emphasizing the region’s growing importance in global air travel.

Colonel Engineer Expert Marwan Mohammad Singel, Director of Dubai Civil Aviation Security Center at Dubai Police, highlighted the significance of technology in airport security to facilitate travel and ensure seamless passenger experiences. He emphasized the importance of investing in top-notch security technology and providing continuous training for personnel to stay updated with the latest advancements in the sector.

Dubai, home to two international airports, served 92.3 million passengers in 2024, with Dubai International (DXB) retaining its position as the world’s busiest airport for international travelers for the tenth consecutive year. This solidifies Dubai’s standing as a global aviation hub.

May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, the organizer of over 400 events across 42 sectors in 22 countries, emphasized the need for continuous evolution in airport security to combat new threats. She mentioned that Airport Security Middle East offers a unique platform to explore cutting-edge products, many of which make their debut in the region. Delegates will gain insights into risk-based approaches, AI applications, automated screening systems, and other emerging trends.

In the Middle East and Africa, there is a growing drive towards more efficient, effective, and contactless airport security measures. According to IATA’s Regional Vice President Kamil Al Awadi, passenger traffic is expected to grow annually by 3.9% through 2043, with an estimated addition of 237 million passengers by 2034.

This growth underscores the importance of robust security infrastructure. A report by Zion Market Research forecasts that the global airport security market will reach US$38.09 billion by 2032, indicating increased investments in smart technologies in the Middle East to maintain safety and efficiency.

The region is emerging as a key global travel hub, hosting 13 Flight Information Regions (FIRs), numerous airlines, and over 110 airports. The surge in air traffic is driving the need for streamlined, tech-enhanced airport environments. By 2043, the Middle East is projected to hold 5.7% of the global aviation market.

In 2024, the region’s traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), grew by 9.4%, surpassing Latin America and Africa. With an Annual Average Growth Rate (AAGR) of 6.8% since 2000, the Middle East has nearly double the global average. The global passenger numbers are expected to increase by 3.8% annually, translating to over 4.1 billion additional journeys by 2043.