Dubai Helishow 2012 dates announced

The show will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at its new venue the Grand Stand, Meydan Hotel, Meydan Racecourse, Dubai.

The Helishow is the industry’s third largest exhibition in the world after Heli Expo-USA, and Helitech-UK.  Key helicopter industry manufacturers and suppliers from the region and worldwide are expected to attend as more than 85 exhibitors have confirmed their participation to date. Exhibitors will display product offerings and technological solutions for use within the commercial, military, air medical & rescue and civil defence sectors.  

Show organisers hope to highlight the achievements and advancement of helicopter technologies and services and have said that this year’s show will address the specific requirements in the Middle East region.

The show will host two conferences to be organised by Tangent Link, focusing on different inland and offshore emergencies and security issues pertinent to the Middle East.   The first conference, taking place on day one of the event, is titled ‘High-Rise Firefighting & Rescue’ and will look at the international emergency services first responders, civil and government helicopter operators, helicopter and firefighting equipment manufacturers in the event of fires in high-rise and mega-buildings. It will also discuss the solutions, tactics, technologies and the systems explored along with introducing new ideas to help meet the increasing requirements of specialist fire protection and rescue field.

On the second day, ‘Heli-borne Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)’ will discuss how effectively manned and unmanned air assets are operated in the airborne ISR solutions role.

Commenting on their participation, Joe Garland, vice president of international business development for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: “For the Dubai Helishow2012, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will feature several of its internationally fielded Precision Engagement, Fire Control and Situation Awareness systems and solutions.  These include the HELLFIRE and DAGR missiles, Arrowhead, LONGBOW Fire Control Radar and LONGBOW UTA, VUIT, VN sight, TSS and the Gyrocam sensor suite.”

He added: “Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) business develops manufactures and supports advanced combat, missile, rocket and space systems for military customers that include the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and dozens of foreign nations. MFC also offers products and services for the global civil nuclear power industry, as well as for the military/civilian energy markets.”

Gulf Helicopters will also be exhibiting at the show.  Its CEO, Mohammed Al Mohannadi, said:  “Gulf Helicopters is satisfied with its previous participations in the Dubai Helishow, which was a good chance for the company to meet with work associates and discuss future mutual benefits. I am pleased to announce that the company will be attending the Dubai Helishow 2012, to benefit from this international gathering of the world’s key players in the helicopter field.”

Abdulla A. Abulhoul, director of Dubai Helishow at the Domus Group, said: “Our vision is to contribute to the development of the helicopter industry and its associated trade in the Middle East region through bringing together the leading key industry suppliers and distributors worldwide. We were pleased by the achievements and business deals accomplished through the last Helishow and we are expecting an expansion in both the participation of the exhibitors and visitors for this year. 

“The trade show is the perfect setting for networking and conducting business deals for helicopters and its associated products from direct suppliers,” he added.