SPECIALISED UAV PAVILION WINS OFFICIAL INDUSTRY BACKING
Dubai 2005 - the ninth international aerospace exhibition - is to feature the air show's first unmanned systems conference.
The conference - Unmanned Systems Middle East 2005 - is being organised by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Flight International. AUVSI is the world's largest non-profit organisation devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community.
AUVSI, which has a membership spanning government organisations, industry and academia, has also thrown its weight behind the planned Dubai 2005 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) pavilion - the first of its kind for any Dubai air show.
"By supporting this initiative we expect to provide the first opportunity for UAV manufacturers and suppliers to assemble in Dubai under the umbrella of a specialised pavilion," said AUVSI Executive Director Daryl Davidson.
"Since many of the companies in this sector are medium to small in size, the chance to gather in a concentrated, high-profile pavilion will significantly impact the visibility and success they will enjoy at the show. The collection of these companies from around the world will also show the breadth and diversity of the UAV industry."
The UAV pavilion has been introduced to the Dubai 2005 profile by show organisers Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E).
"The pavilion is a result of industry demand and follows the success of our first vertical arena - a dedicated helicopter pavilion - which sold out at Dubai 2003," explained Alison Weller, Project Manager, Aerospace Group, F&E.
"Specialised vertical pavilions enable industry personnel to make the most of their visit to the air show, by being able to quickly locate those exhibitors who best fit their business profile. For exhibitors, the pavilions bring increased visibility and greater opportunities to meet their targeted audiences."
The AUVSI believes the Middle East offers great potential for UAV development which would be unlocked via the Dubai 2005 UAV initiatives.
"This can come in two forms," said Davidson. "Either development by local countries, or by partnering with manufacturers from other parts of the world. By holding this first-ever conference and pavilion at Dubai 2005, we believe the UAV interests in the Middle East will be able to network with each other and with the world's leading industry officials and establish key relationships to accelerate the development and use of UAVs in the region."
AUVSI and Flight are now developing a full programme and timetable for the Unmanned Systems Middle East 2005 conference with venue and dates still to be fixed.
"We will be inviting senior government and military leaders from the host country as well as programme officials from key industry leaders in other countries which have already developed, or are developing UAVs," explained Davidson.
The UAV pavilion at Dubai 2005 will join other vertical arenas, including a dedicated helicopter pavilion and a training and simulation pavilion which is currently under feasibility study.
"These are part of a number of new initiatives being introduced to the Dubai air show to ensure it retains its reputation for being a true aviation business forum generating substantial returns for exhibitor and visitor alike," said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group, F&E. "The involvement of AUVSI is a particular welcome development as the association's forums are the best resource for simply learning about unmanned systems or keeping abreast of the latest programme and technology updates."
Dubai 2005, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 20-24, next year. The show is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.
-Ends-
For further information:
Barbara Saunders,
MCS/Action,
PO Box 20970,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates.
Tel: +9714 390 2961;
fax: +9714 390 8161.
email: barbara.s@actionprgroup.com
Visit Dubai 2005 online at: www.dubaiairshow.org
Visit AUVSI on: www.auvsi.org
© Press Release 2004
