MANAMA: The Bahrain International Airshow 2024 concluded with a flurry of major business deals, including a contract between Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Leonardo to modernize the country’s air traffic radar and surveillance systems.

The agreement is set to enhance Bahrain International Airport’s efficiency and safety through advanced primary and secondary radar technologies.

The seventh edition of the airshow, held on Nov. 13 — 15 at Sakhir Air Base, set a record with over 125 aircraft displayed, a 25 percent increase from the previous event.

The event saw Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air extending its long-standing collaboration with Amman-based Joramco, boosting maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities.

Other key agreements included a partnership between Infracorp and Mena Aerospace to develop specialized aircraft hangars to position Bahrain as a regional hub for advanced aviation services.

The event also saw Valo Aviation secure Bahrain’s first business jet operator license, with plans to operate 15 aircraft by 2026, and a strategic cybersecurity alliance between Iron Net and Asterion to bolster critical infrastructure protection.

Aircraft showcases

Debut appearances at the event included the US Department of Defense’s B-52H Stratofortress and flydubai’s latest static display models.

The three-day showcase, inaugurated by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad on behalf of King Hamad, attracted over 40,000 industry professionals and visitors.

After touring the exhibition, Crown Prince Salman emphasized Bahrain’s focus on priority sectors as drivers of economic diversification, national development, and progress. He highlighted the role of the kingdom’s national talent in sustaining achievements and shaping future aspirations, according to the state news agency.

He underscored the importance of strategic sectors in supporting his country’s ambitions and contributing to its comprehensive development journey under the leadership of the monarch. He also reaffirmed Bahrain’s strong tradition of hosting successful international exhibitions and conferences, stressing the importance of maintaining this legacy.

Air displays included performances by the Saudi Hawks, Bahrain’s F-16s, and the US Navy’s P-8 Poseidon, showcasing their capabilities. Static displays featured a range of aircraft, including Gulf Air’s B787-9 and the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17.

The Saudi Hawks team showcased green, red, and white trails in a nod to the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The Royal Saudi Air Force’s Typhoon, piloted by Maj. Faris bin Ali Al-Zahrani, demonstrated its capabilities with a series of maneuvers and high-speed passes.

Organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation, the Royal Bahrain Air Force, and Farnborough International, the event underscored the kingdom’s position as a global aviation hub.

Sustainability and innovation

Sustainability dominated discussions at the Airport and Airlines Forum, where executives from Gulf Air Group, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce explored the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and net-zero technologies. Regulatory support and innovation were highlighted as essential to making sustainable aviation fuel commercially viable.

Mohammad Al-Khuraisi, vice president of strategy and business intelligence at the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, said the agency’s participation in the Bahrain International Airshow highlights his country’s achievements in aviation, showcases the key pillars of the Kingdom’s aviation strategy, and presents future investment opportunities.

Ali Rajab, GACA’s executive vice president of Air Transport and International Cooperation, said the authority’s presence at the event underscores new regulations aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the aviation sector.

Rajab added that the Saudi aviation strategy, which targets $100 billion in investment and aims to increase annual passenger numbers to 330 million, serves as the foundation for these advancements.

Defense forums showcased advancements in combat technology, including autonomous systems, AI-driven cybersecurity, and electronic warfare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector.

Aviation milestones

Bahrain International Airport was recognized as the world’s first to receive the International Air Transport Association’s Environmental Assessment Certification, aligning with the kingdom’s broader sustainability goals.

Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency also announced an initiative to train 100 students in satellite image analysis and space science, part of its STEM-focused educational efforts.

Growing reputation

At a press conference, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed, chairman of the airshow’s supreme organizing committee, expressed pride in its success in attracting leading global companies and organizations.

“This is by far the most successful international airshow hosted in Bahrain in terms of connectivity, engagement, and diversity,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

He added: “Bahrain is a strategic hub for the aviation industry, and this year, we are celebrating 75 years of aviation. Bahrain has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering regional growth and innovation.”

The chairman said the numerous agreements and deals signed during the event reflect Bahrain’s growing global stature, with the strong turnout of exhibitors, participants, and visitors further cementing the kingdom’s reputation as a hub for excellence and innovation.

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing success in hosting major international events, positioning it as a preferred destination for business and innovation.

“This year’s edition of the airshow has already welcomed 40,000 international and regional aerospace professionals, delegates, and visitors, with expectations to surpass 55,000 by the end of the day.”

He also said that the airshow is a key driver for the aviation sector, aligning with Bahrain’s vision for technological advancement and creative growth.

With 177 organizations participating and 80 percent of exhibitors being international, the biennial event underscored Bahrain’s commitment to its Economic Vision 2030 by fostering investment, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.

BAKU: As global leaders gather in Baku for the COP29 UN climate change conference, the focus on climate finance has never been more pressing. This year’s conference theme, “Accelerating Climate Action for Sustainable Development,” suggests that climate action must advance economic stability as well as address environmental concerns.

Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan’s lead negotiator for COP29, has said that “trillions of dollars” are needed to fund the fight against climate change — a significant increase from the longstanding annual target of $100 billion, which itself remains unmet. Vulnerable nations are especially affected by this shortfall, lacking the resources to build resilience against climate impacts.

The need for equitable financing

Delegates from developing regions, including African representatives, have called for climate finance to reflect the distinct economic realities faced by less developed countries.

Shaimaa Al-Sheiby, senior director of strategic planning at OPEC, spoke to Arab News about the importance of ensuring that climate finance meets the needs of developing economies

“In many countries, it’s difficult for governments to sustain economic progress without accessible financing,” Al-Sheiby said. She advocated for wealthier nations and financial institutions to play a greater role in “de-risking” investments in developing markets to attract private capital for renewable projects.

Yusuf Idris Amoke, a Nigerian climate adviser, said: “The Global South is on the receiving end of climate impacts while contributing far less to emissions.”

For these countries, the push to phase out fossil fuels often clashes with immediate economic needs, especially given that alternatives are limited and expensive.

“Financing third world countries or the Global South is key,” Amoke added, saying that transitioning without robust financial support is neither equitable nor feasible.

Voluntary carbon markets and climate solutions

Voluntary carbon markets have been gaining traction as a flexible solution for reducing emissions, especially in regions where compulsory systems have struggled to achieve significant results.

These markets encourage companies to take part in climate initiatives by creating financial incentives, which, as Al-Sheiby said, are essential for involving the private sector.

“Private capital is very shy,” she added, saying that risk-reduction strategies could help attract these funds to where they are most needed.

The success of voluntary markets, however, depends on strong regulatory support, transparency and accountability.

Global initiatives and South-South collaboration

The COP29 Presidency has launched the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade, a collaborative platform designed to align climate finance and trade with sustainable development priorities. By convening leaders from developed countries and the Global South, the initiative aims to foster equitable climate solutions.

In Africa, Saudi Arabia’s “Empowering Africa Initiative” exemplifies South-South collaboration. Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has signed agreements with Ethiopia, Chad, Senegal and other countries to promote energy equity as well as accelerate the continent’s energy transition. These agreements are set to harness Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, including its 10 terawatts of solar capacity.

Abid Malik, ACWA Power’s geo head for Central Asia, highlighted the importance of fostering local expertise during an interview with Arab News. “Our projects in Africa don’t just bring renewable energy; they create jobs, enhance technical skills and empower local communities to take charge of their energy futures,” he said.

The intersection of climate finance and conflict recovery

The recently announced Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief and Recovery highlights the role of climate action in stabilizing conflict-affected regions. “Climate-induced challenges such as water scarcity and food insecurity are catalysts for conflict,” said Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 president. “Peace-sensitive climate action is crucial for the most vulnerable.”

Gilles Carbonnier, vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighted the environmental fallout in conflict zones like Gaza. “In places like Gaza, where infrastructure has been decimated, renewable energy offers a lifeline,” he told Arab News. “Solar microgrids in refugee camps are providing critical electricity for healthcare and other essential services.”

Charting a path forward

The commitments announced at COP29 reflect a growing recognition of the interconnected challenges of climate finance, energy equity and conflict recovery. With asset owners controlling $10 trillion pledging to accelerate private capital deployment and initiatives like BICFIT gaining momentum, the foundations for transformative change are being established.

For vulnerable nations, these efforts offer a glimmer of hope. However, achieving a just transition will require sustained political will and a reimagining of global financing systems. As COP29 unfolds, the world is watching to see if the pledges made in Baku will translate into tangible action.