Domus Group, the organiser of the biennial Dubai HeliShow, has rescheduled the event to 19-21 January 2021. It was originally planned to take place in November 2020. To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the coming eighth edition of the Dubai HeliShow is being formatted into a hybrid show, the first ever event in the Middle East region to use a combination of physical and 3D virtual formats for trade shows, conferences, seminars and workshops.

Domus MD Ahmad Abulhoul says: “Following feedback from the industry, and given the future development of Dubai HeliShow, it is necessary to postpone the event. Though 70 per cent of the planned exhibition space and sponsorship is already booked, the overriding factor behind the decision is to give our exhibitors and sponsors a wide-ranging audience from around the world, either in person or online, to participate. The new dates will allow more time for global participants to prepare, and the implementation of the hybrid format will give convenience and flexibility to allow expansion into other world markets that had once found it difficult or costly to attend in person.”

Domus COO Maysoon Abulhoul adds: “By applying this new hybrid format type of event, Dubai HeliShow's conference is set to combine a 'live' in person experience with a 'virtual' online component, giving both physical and online speakers and attendees the same event interaction within the timeframe of the event. The exhibition component of the show will combine physical exhibitors over an exciting three-day period and a virtual experience via an engaging and immersive 3D virtual platform that will be live 24/7 for one year for this event. The platform will include a 3D tour with a 360-degree view and walk-through system of a virtual venue consisting of a main lobby, exhibition hall, auditorium and a virtual networking area.”

The physical aspect of the exhibition and conference will still take place at Dubai South, Al Maktoum International airport. The Dubai HeliShow will highlight the new developments in the rotor industry, including the next-generation helicopters and air taxis; the futuristic vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technologies; the future maintenance and repair organisations (MROs) in the region; and updates on aerodrome and heliport regulations. The event will also feature the unmanned aerial vehicle/drone sector as a new addition to its exhibition and conference platform.

Domus Group says it is currently developing a 3D virtual/hybrid event platform, an event concept that is part of what is being dubbed as the 'new norm' for the events industry. The Dubai HeliShow is the first event in the region to use this new format, which offers the advantage of allowing attendees from around the world, either in person or online, to participate.