MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) will return to Dubai on 4–5 February 2026 for the 17th edition, marking the largest iteration of the region’s leading aviation aftermarket event. Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will bring together the global airline supply chain as demand for MRO and cabin interior solutions continues to rise across the region.
Following year-on-year growth, the 2026 edition will expand into an additional exhibition hall, welcoming more than 300 exhibitors for the first time and attracting approximately 9,000 attendees. Exhibitors will showcase the latest advancements in cabin design, AI-powered maintenance tools, robotics, supply chain solutions, ground support equipment and safety technologies, reinforcing the region’s growing role as a global hub for aviation services, innovation and investment.
As the Middle East’s commercial fleet continues to grow and flight frequencies increase, the requirement for MRO capabilities is rising at pace. According to the Aviation Week 2026 Fleet & MRO Forecast, the Middle East is the second fastest-growing MRO region globally, with demand projected to increase from $7.8 billion in 2022 to $12.9 billion by 2031[1]. Total MRO value in the region is expected to reach $156 billion by 2034, underlining the strategic importance of platforms that connect operators, OEMs, suppliers and service providers.
At the heart of the event, the Go Live Theatre will deliver more than ten hours of complimentary content, featuring expert-led discussions across the MRO and aircraft interiors sectors, with participation from industry leaders including Airbus, Boeing, DAE Engineering, Etihad Airways, flyadeal, flydubai, Kenya Airways, and Turkish Technic, among others.
Matias Bjerregaard, Predictive Maintenance specialist at Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), will take part in a panel focused on predictive maintenance. He commented: “This event provides an important platform to discuss how the industry is transitioning from reactive maintenance models to more predictive, data-driven operations. As airlines navigate increasing complexity, tighter margins, and high expectations for availability and sustainability, closer collaboration between operators, OEMs, and technology providers is essential. At this year’s event, I will share practical airline experiences from SAS on how predictive maintenance and aircraft health monitoring are being embedded into everyday engineering decision-making as part of a broader transformation of maintenance and operations.”
New for 2026, the Skyward Innovations session will introduce a start-up pitch competition, giving four emerging companies the opportunity to present their ideas live on stage. Additional sessions will explore topics such as In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC), infrastructure development, AI, sustainability, and more.
Representatives from Gulf Air and flydubai will share insights on IFEC architecture and the evolution of the connected cabin. Riadh Ben Ali Jaidi, Aircraft Systems Duty Manager at Gulf Air, commented:
“As the aviation landscape in the Middle East undergoes a period of unprecedented transformation, MRO Middle East and AIME 2026 serve as the essential nexus for innovation and collaboration. For Gulf Air, this event aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving operational excellence and supporting the region’s rapidly expanding fleets. During my session, I look forward to exploring how the integration of the IFE and Connectivity onboard aircraft is redefining maintenance standards and enhancing passenger experiences. We are proud to contribute to an agenda that not only addresses current challenges but actively shapes the future of the global aerospace ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, the programme will include strategic discussions on infrastructure developments shaping the MRO landscape, with perspectives from DAE Engineering, Sanad, Saudi Arabian Airlines Group and Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), alongside a dedicated panel on engine MRO developments featuring AFI KLM E&M, Turnpoint Advisory, SR Technics and StandardAero.
Guillaume Limouzy, Regional Sales Director for EMEA at StandardAero, will participate in the latter panel, addressing challenges associated with engine operation in the region, including factors affecting engine durability. He comments: “MRO Middle East provides us with a unique opportunity to engage with our customers in the region. StandardAero has long-standing relationships with operators across the Middle East, supporting a range of engine platforms from the CFM56 to the PT6A, and we are now expanding our presence in the region with multiple new customers for our LEAP-1A/-1B MRO services.”
Beyond the conference programme, the event will offer a range of dedicated features designed to support meaningful connection and collaboration, including an App Meeting Zone for pre-booked meetings, an exclusive Airline Lounge for purchasing and technical representatives from airlines and lessors, and a Networking Zone open to all attendees.
With an expanded show floor, strengthened content programme and growing international audience, MRO Middle East and AIME 2026 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of MRO and cabin interiors across the Middle East and beyond.
Registration for the event is now live. For more information and to secure your place, please visit https://mromiddleeast.aviationweek.com/
Share This Post
