Domus Group, organizers of the Dubai HeliShow, the biennial international helicopter technology and operations exhibition dedicated to the helicopter industry, has announced the new dates of the event to January 19-21, 2021 which was originally to take place in November 2020. To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the coming 8th edition of the Dubai HeliShow is being formatted to become a hybrid type of show–the first ever event in the Middle East region to use this engaging combination of physical and 3D virtual format for tradeshows, conferences, seminars, workshops and the like.

Ahmad Abulhoul, Managing Director, Domus Group, said, “Following feedback from the industry and with the future development of Dubai HeliShow has promped it necessary to postponed the event. Though 70% of the planned exhibition space and sponsorship are already booked, the over-riding factor for the decision  is to give our exhibitor and sponsors a wide range of audience from around the world – either in person or online – to participate.  The new dates will allow more time for global participants to prepare, and the implementation of hybrid format will give convenience and flexibility to allow expansion into other world markets that had once found it difficult or costly to attend in person.”

Maysoon Abulhoul, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Domus Group, commented, “By applying this new hybrid format type of event, Dubai HeliShow’s conference is set to combine a ‘live’ in person experience with a ‘virtual’ online component–giving both physical and online speakers and attendees the same event interaction within the timeframe of the event. The exhibition component of the show will be combining physical exhibitors over an exciting three-day period and a virtual experience via an engaging and immersive 3D virtual platform that will be live 24/7 for one year for this event. The platform will include a 3D tour with a 360-degree view and walk-through system of a virtual venue consisting of a main lobby, exhibition hall, auditorium, and a virtual networking area.”

The physical aspect of the exhibition & conference will still take place at Dubai South, Al Maktoum International Airport. The Dubai HeliShow will highlight the new developments in the rotor industry, including the next-generation helicopters and air taxis; the futuristic vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technologies; the future maintenance and repair organizations (MROs) in the region; and updates on aerodrome and heliport regulations. The event will also feature the Unmanned Arial Vehicle/Drone sector as a new addition to its Exhibition and Conference platform.

Some of the international companies set to participate at the exciting three-day physical show and a year of virtual exhibition include Columbia Helicopters (Heavy-lift Helicopter Fleet Operator), Cartivator/SkyDrive (Japanese company building a flying car and targeting to use it to light the 2021 Tokyo Olympic flame), TACOR Inc. (American Aircraft MRO company), Vita Inclinata Technologies (leading Load Stability Systems in  USA),  Souther Cross Aviation (Helicopter or Aircraft Spare Parts & MRO company), Bertoli Srl (Italian Ground Power Manufacturer), Donaldson Aerospace ( Aircraft Filtration Systems Provider), Specialist Aviation Services (Bespoke Aviation Solutions Provider), and PBS (High Quality & Innovative Aerospace Engineering Company).

In a recent webinar organized by Domus Group, the company has announced that they are currently developing the first 3D Virtual/Hybrid event platform–a new event concept that is part of what is being dubbed as the ‘new norm’ for the events industry. The Dubai HeliShow is the first event in the region to use this new format, which offers the advantage of allowing attendees from around the world–either in person or online–to participate.”