Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show that launched today under the patronage of His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed’s participation’s came in response to an official invitation from Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport of France, reflecting the close ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the French Republic.

The minister’s participation in this prestigious international event follows the directives of His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for the Bahrain International Airshow, to further preparations for the eighth edition of the Bahrain International Airshow. The event is scheduled to take place at Sakhir Air Base from November 18-20, 2026 under the royal patronage. Bahrain International Airshow is recognised as a leading platform that has established Bahrain as a global hub for aviation events, attracting prominent international companies and key decision-makers.

On the sidelines of the show, the minister held a series of bilateral meetings with official delegations and leading global companies. He reviewed the latest technologies and innovations in the aviation industry, including environmentally friendly aircraft, advanced ground service equipment, and air navigation systems, all of which contribute to enhancing the quality and efficiency of the global travel and tourism sector.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed also witnessed the signing of three significant memoranda of understanding aimed at developing Bahrain International Airport and elevating the standard of its services. These agreements were signed with Artelia Group to enhance operational readiness and air traffic movement (ORAT), with TEXEL Air for the expansion of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hangars, and with Vallair Aviation to develop dedicated facilities for private aviation and VIP aircraft maintenance.

Additionally, at the Bahrain Chalet, the minister received Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the presence of Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation and means to strengthen relations in the air transport sector within the framework of integrated Gulf partnership.

Furthermore, He met with senior executives from major French aviation companies, including Airbus, Thales, and Safran, to discuss opportunities for collaboration with Gulf Air and to invite these companies to participate in the 2026 Bahrain International Airshow.

The minister also convened extensive meetings with representatives from a number of leading global companies, including Boeing, GE Aerospace, RTX, Gulfstream, China’s COMAC, Brazil’s Embraer, and Rolls-Royce. Discussions focused on expanding commercial cooperation and encouraging these companies to leverage the Bahrain International Airshow as a platform to strengthen their partnerships in the Gulf region and promote their advanced products.

The Paris Air Show, held biennially in Paris, is one of the world’s largest aviation exhibitions, bringing together more than 1,500 specialist companies. It features static and flying displays, over 400 chalets, and more than 10 exhibition halls showcasing the latest innovations in aviation and aerospace, making it a key platform for major deals and a showcase for the future of the global aviation industry.