Shaikh Mohammed opens Dubai Airshow 2011

The opening ceremony, which was held at Dubai Airport Expo Centre, was also attended by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Princes of other emirates and King Juan Carlos of Spain, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region Shaikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, other shaikhs, ministers, Arab and foreign Defence ministers, and several senior officials and officers.

In a statement to Arab and foreign press, Shaikh Mohammed highlighted the continued success of the Dubai Airshow saying: “I am pleased to see the 12th edition of the Dubai Airshow as it readies for take-off, flying from success to another and continuing its quantitative and qualitative growth.

He lauded the prominent position the Dubai Airshow has gained as one of the largest international exhibitions in its field. “I am more proud of our citizens whose meticulous organisation and management skills helped shape the success of this global event, where modern creations and technology in the fields of aviation, communication, empowerment and training are exhibited.”

Shaikh Mohammed commended Emirates, which he said would be followed by others to double the fleet of Emirates, adding that the event plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE national economy and activating internal trade and introducing the country and its culture to others.

“We perceive this accomplishment as one of a series of successes achieved by the UAE in several areas; an extension of the country’s prestigious position in all regional and international forums. The Dubai Airshow stands witness to the outstanding growth we have accomplished as a nation, from security and stability to superior global competitiveness in the fields of infrastructure and good governance”, he added.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the management of the exhibition and praised the inaugural launch of the Gulf Aviation Training Event, which gathers top air transport flight training professionals to discuss the pressing need for more comprehensive flight crew training in a region which is seeing accelerated growth in air transport.

He said the next edition may be held in Dubai City World Central in 2013, adding that this will be decided by the Higher Organising Committee under chair of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Concluding his statement, Shaikh Mohammed wished exhibitors and guests successful participation and a pleasant stay in the UAE.