Paris: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show under the patronage of His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla's attendance was in response to an official invitation from Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport of France, signifying the close ties between Bahrain and France.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister's participation aligns with directives from His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa to prepare for the upcoming Bahrain International Airshow, scheduled for November 18-20, 2026, at Sakhir Air Base. The Bahrain International Airshow is renowned for establishing Bahrain as a global aviation hub, attracting key international companies and decision-makers.
On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla engaged in bilateral meetings with official delegations and leading global companies. He reviewed the latest aviation technologies and innovations, including environmentally friendly aircraft and advanced air navigation systems. Additionally, the minister witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding aimed at developing Bahrain International Airport, enhancing its operational readiness and service standards.
During the show, the minister also held discussions with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, to explore bilateral cooperation in the air transport sector. Furthermore, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla met with senior executives from French aviation companies, such as Airbus, Thales, and Safran, to discuss collaboration opportunities with Gulf Air and extend invitations to the 2026 Bahrain International Airshow.
The minister's engagement extended to meetings with representatives from Boeing, GE Aerospace, RTX, Gulfstream, COMAC, Embraer, and Rolls-Royce. Discussions focused on expanding commercial cooperation and leveraging the Bahrain International Airshow as a platform for strengthening partnerships in the Gulf region and promoting advanced products.
The Paris Air Show, held biennially, is one of the world's largest aviation exhibitions, featuring over 1,500 specialist companies and showcasing the latest innovations in aviation, making it a key platform for major deals in the industry.