It was the brave new world from the Wild West that led the battle in the heart of recession. After years of turmoil, civil wars and economic bleakness, these awakened countries from Africa chose the Dubai Air Show 2009 (November 15-19) to announce their entry into the world of economic development. These first time participants/visitors gave the organisers of the Dubai Air Show the confidence to claim growth and to prove to the sceptics that the last show in November 2007 was not a flash in the pan. The 2007 air show was indeed astounding, with the combined total of deals and commitments touching USD 100 billion. A difficult feat to match, even without the recession.

No wonder, the 2009 air show started off with two major disadvantages: the illustrious predecessor and recession which has left Dubai battle-scarred. Giant, steel and concrete monstrosities stare vacantly in the sky, testimonies to stopped work on several ambitious projects. The oasis where the party never stopped, has been suffering a prolonged hangover for over a year now, and the air show was meant to be a brave attempt to show to the world that Dubai can yet claw its way out of the recessionary whirlpool. While shows like Farnborough and Paris have history on their side, even if big money does not roll, but Dubai only had money, at least till now. If that does not talk, what will?

To some extent, the hopes of the organisers were not crushed. The statement on the official website claimed 890 exhibitors from 47 countries, including 150 new-to-show participants, which compelled the organisers to build additional space, called the Emirates Hall, slightly removed from the main exhibition where all the three halls are contiguous. Two years ago, while inaugurating the air show, Prime Minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had announced that in 2009, the air show would move to the new and bigger location at Dubai Exhibition World in Jebel Ali, which would be double the size of the present location at Dubai International Expo. Like several other ambitious projects, Dubai Exhibition World has also fallen victim to economic meltdown. Hence, it was only understandable that this year the show was opened jointly by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In tough times, it helps to stick together, especially when the rumours float that Dubai’s bubble has burst and Abu Dhabi is racing to overtake it in economic growth.