Billions of dollars worth of deals are expected to be signed at Dubai Airshow 2019 this week.

The biennial event at Dubai World Central, which takes off today, is predicted to attract over 1,300 exhibitors and up to 87,000 aerospace professionals across its five-day run.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, made an onsite tour of the Dubai Airshow 2019 on Saturday to inspect the preparations for the big event.

The Middle East’s commercial airplane and services market will be worth more than $1.5 trillion over the next 20 years, according to Boeing.

Announcements are expected from aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus as well as Dubai’s Emirates airline and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, General Electric and Lockheed Martin, among many others.

The Dubai Airshow 2019 will welcome delegations, governmental and private companies from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, it has also attracted new exhibitors from around the globe, including DEPO from Pakistan, INETEC from Croatia and Pattonair from the UK.

This year’s event will have an increased focus on sector-specific conferences and pavilions, reflecting these growing industry areas and bringing together experts and key stakeholders. These include Smart Manufacturing, Space, Cargo Connect, Airport Solutions Dubai and Global Air Traffic Management (GATM).