The first Helitech in the Middle East will take place from December 6-9, 2004, following approval from HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is president of the department of Civil Aviation in Dubai, UAE.

Helitech Dubai will comprise indoor exhibits at the Airport Expo, an outside static park in front of the permanent outdoor chalet facilities and an adjacent fly-in/out helicopter park. It is expected to attract an international audience from the Middle East, Arabian Gulf and across Europe and Asia.

Said MEDIAC (co-organiser) managing director Abdullah Abdulhoul: “The market opportunity for helicopter mainframe manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, services and systems to the helicopter industry across the Middle East is very high. Many exhibitors say the new event presents an exciting opportunity to explore and capitalise on the Middle East market.

“Preliminary calls have received an overwhelmingly positive response from a range of companies representing all aspects of the industry,” he added.

Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd’s chief executive Bob Munton continued: “We have combined the international reputation and track record of Helitech with the organisational skills and capabilities of MEDIAC in Dubai to offer exhibitors and visitors a highly attractive opportunity to exhibit at their own dedicated event in the Middle East. It’s a partnership of equals that guarantees the highest quality event for exhibitors and visitors alike.

“The region offers significant market opportunities. For comm-ercial operators involved in the many roles that helicopters fulfil – corporate/vip, offshore oil support, medical, newsgathering, agriculture and aerial inspection, as well as the private owner – Helitech Dubai serves them all. We shall be inviting buyers and specifiers from government agencies and defence organisations as well as commercial customers, owners and users to attend.”