Ahli: Dubai Airshow marks as significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to build a smarter, more efficient airspace and expand our international collaborations to reinforce Dubai’s readiness for the future of global aviation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 23 November 2025: Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) concluded its participation at Dubai Airshow 2025 with a dynamic presence that included the signing of multiple international agreements, the launch of innovative projects, and a series of specialised professional engagements. These efforts further strengthened the organisation’s role in advancing Dubai’s airspace, enhancing the competitiveness of its aviation ecosystem, and supporting the organisation’s readiness for full-scale operations at Al Maktoum International Airport.
The organisation’s participation underscored dans’ commitment to developing an integrated, next-generation air traffic management ecosystem for Dubai, while supporting the objectives of the “Aviation Talent 33” initiative approved by the Executive Council. The initiative aims to develop a highly skilled national workforce equipped to lead the future of aviation.
Over the course of the event, dans signed more than six memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements. These included a landmark MoU with the Bermuda Airport Authority to establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration in air navigation services, training, and simulation. Additional agreements included research and academic partnerships with Emirates Aviation University and the ITArea Aeronautical Business School, alongside joint research collaborations with Emirates Airline and Thales to develop advanced digital solutions designed to reduce aircraft holding patterns and improve operational predictability.
Launch of the Drone Air Traffic Management Platform
As part of its participation, dans unveiled a new drone air traffic management platform developed in collaboration with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and ANRA Technologies. The platform enables instant approvals for drone operations, integrates radar, weather, and aeronautical data, enhances detection and deconfliction capabilities, and is designed to support future applications in urban air mobility.
The dans stand welcomed several high-level dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of dans. His Highness reviewed the latest technological developments and the operational readiness of dans teams to support aerial displays and airspace management throughout the Airshow. He also directed the organisation to continue strengthening its operational excellence and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global aviation capital.
Ibrahim Ahli, CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services, said: “Our participation this year represents a strategic milestone in our efforts to develop a smarter, more efficient airspace and expand our international partnerships to support Dubai’s preparations for the future of global aviation, including our readiness for full-scale operations at Al Maktoum International Airport. The initiatives launched during the Airshow, including the drone air traffic management platform and our new research and academic partnerships, reflect our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and to advancing the objectives of the ‘Aviation Talent 33’ initiative by providing an advanced environment that nurtures learning and growth for national talent.”
dans also signed a cooperation agreement with Aeroficial Intelligence to integrate the Cockpit Suite system into its operations, enhancing data-driven performance management and supporting the evolution of smart airspace management in Dubai, while ensuring the continued delivery of reliable and efficient air navigation services.
Additionally, throughout the Airshow, dans held a series of high-level meetings with leading local and international entities to expand its global partnership network. Discussions explored opportunities to advance AI-driven solutions, unmanned aircraft traffic management, advanced air mobility, and the design of future airspace models. Extensive discussions were held with NATS, the United Kingdom’s leading air traffic services provider, focusing on opportunities for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and empowering emerging aviation talent.
dans experts also participated in specialised sessions and panel discussions covering advanced air mobility, UTM technologies, air traffic management (ATM), air traffic services (ATS), sustainability, and workforce development. The organisation’s specialists shared forward-looking insights on the future of airspace management and Dubai’s leadership in deploying cutting-edge air navigation systems worldwide.