MRO Middle East And AIME 2026 In Dubai To Showcase AI, Interiors, And MRO Innovations

MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) will return to Dubai World Trade Centre on 4th and 5th February 2026 for their 17th edition, with organisers preparing the largest version of the aviation aftermarket gathering so far, as regional and global operators increase investment in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capacity and advanced cabin interior solutions.

The 2026 show will extend into an extra exhibition hall for the first time, hosting more than 300 exhibitors and around 9,000 expected visitors, where international airline supply chain companies will display new developments in cabin design, AI-driven maintenance applications, robotics, supply chain optimisation tools, ground support equipment and safety systems, further underlining the Middle East’s importance for aviation services.

Rising aircraft orders, expanding fleets and more frequent services across the Gulf and wider region are placing additional pressure on maintenance capacity, which is lifting demand for specialist MRO providers based near major hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as airlines seek to manage costs, reduce aircraft downtime and keep pace with new technology.

According to the Aviation Week 2026 Fleet and MRO Forecast, the Middle East represents the second fastest-growing MRO region worldwide, with spending predicted to grow from US$7.8 billion in 2022 to US$12.9 billion by 2031, while total MRO value for the region is projected to reach US$156 billion by 2034 as more aircraft enter service.

At the centre of the show floor, the Go Live Theatre will host more than ten hours of free-to-attend sessions, with experts from organisations such as Airbus, Boeing, DAE Engineering, Etihad Airways, flyadeal, flydubai, Kenya Airways and Turkish Technic analysing trends across airframe, component and engine maintenance, as well as new approaches to aircraft interiors and passenger experience.

Matias Bjerregaard, Predictive Maintenance specialist at Scandinavian Airlines, said, "The event provides an important platform to discuss the shift from reactive maintenance to predictive, data-driven operations, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between operators, OEMs and technology providers."

MRO Middle East and AIME 2026 innovation features and Skyward programme

Organisers are introducing the Skyward Innovations session for 2026, which will feature a live start-up pitch segment where four young companies will present their concepts on stage, while other agenda items will examine In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity, airport and hangar infrastructure development, artificial intelligence integration and sustainability strategies across the aviation aftermarket.

Representatives from Gulf Air and flydubai are scheduled to share updates on connected cabin programmes, and a series of strategic panels will review how new infrastructure projects are influencing the MRO landscape, including a dedicated engine maintenance discussion covering repair capabilities, supply issues and lifecycle support for newer engine types used in the region.

MRO Middle East and AIME 2026 networking zones and regional role

Alongside the formal conference, MRO Middle East and AIME 2026 will include structured networking spaces, such as an App Meeting Zone for pre-arranged business meetings, an Airline Lounge reserved for airline and lessor personnel, and an open Networking Zone designed to help suppliers, technology firms and operators hold informal discussions during the two-day event.

With record exhibitor participation, new feature areas and an expanded content schedule, MRO Middle East and AIME 2026 is expected to remain a central meeting point for companies involved in maintenance, repair, overhaul and cabin interiors across the Middle East and neighbouring markets, supporting ongoing fleet growth while reflecting the region’s long-term role within the global aviation aftermarket.

With inputs from WAM