Dubai, 9 Dec 04 (WAM) -- The maiden International Helicopter Technologyand Operations Exhibition of Middle East region, Dubai Helishow 2004,concluded today, encouraging an upswing in the regional spendingon copter technology, as high profile visitors from all over the GCC andthe Middle East region flocked to the exclusive four day show held atthe Dubai Airport Expo from December 6-9, 2004.

More than 3000 specialised visitors came to see around 80 regionaland global helicopter manufacturers who took part in Dubai Helishow 2004.

The show was organised by MEDIAC, a leading trade fairs organiser in theMiddle East region, and took place under the patronage of General SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE DefenceMinister.

Commenting on the impressive run of the maiden edition, Abdulla Abulhoul,Managing Director, MEDIAC said: "As the region is already becoming onethe lead markets for copter technology owing the incredible resiliencethat we are witnessing in all sectors of the economy in the region. Civiland public sector use of rotor wing craft is on the rise as is the spendingin defence and paramilitary sector. Dubai Helishow 2004 could not havecome at a more appropriate time, as the high profile and high value clientelewere out on a recce to acquire the very latest the sector could offer.""Dubai Helishow 2004 has successfully plugged the gap in acquisition andthe accessibility to the technology by offering unsurpassed opportunitiesfor the world's leading rotor manufacturers to bring their offering tothe high profile clients in the region," he added.

Dubai Helishow was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,President, Department of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairmanof Emirates Group. During its four day run, the show bore witness to manyhigh profile visits from dignitaries.

In addition, high-powered delegations from all over the GCC countriesand particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, visited various exhibitorsin the show, expressing latent interest in acquiring copter technologyfor the growing sectors of civil aviation, public service, tourism, utilitiesmaintenance and the defence sectors.

"The visit of the key delegates has enhanced the standing of the showas the destination for showcasing rotor and related technologies and hasencouraged the exhibitors, many of whom who have reiterated their commitmentto return to the next edition, which will be held in 2006," concludedAbulhoul.

Dubai Helishow 2004 was also supported by the UAE Airforce and Air Defence,Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai, Dubai International Airport and Governmentof Dubai, and saw active participation of helicopter manufacturers fromcountries such as Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy,Jordan, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, UAE,UK and the USA.