GA Airshow Middle EastUpcoming

AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun

The regional debut of the AERO brand in the Middle East, combined with the established Sand & Fun aviation expo. Five days at Thumamah Airport in Riyadh — a partnership between Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Aviation Club bringing together air shows, exhibitions, innovation displays, and entertainment for the Middle East general aviation market.

November 24–28, 2026Thumamah Airport, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia~213,000 attendees

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What to expect

AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun is a new combined event for 2026, born from the partnership between Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia (operators of the original AERO brand alongside Messe Friedrichshafen) and the Saudi Aviation Club. The 2025 standalone Sand & Fun edition reportedly drew over 213,000 visitors across 90 countries with 150+ commercial exhibitors and 120+ aerial performances. Expect a comprehensive aviation experience: GA aircraft static and flying displays, ULM/microlight makers, avionics vendors, training-aircraft brands, Saudi flight schools and academies, and a strong public-day audience reflecting Saudi Vision 2030's push to grow domestic GA. The combined event consolidates what was previously the Saudi International Airshow and Sand & Fun into a single regional anchor for Middle East general aviation.

Quick facts

Dates

November 24–28, 2026

Location

Thumamah Airport
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Estimated attendance

~213,000

Exhibitors

~150

Registration

TBC

Languages

AR, EN

Regulatory focus

GACA

Also known as

AERO Middle East, Sand & Fun, Sand and Fun, AERO Middle East 2026, Sand & Fun 2026, AERO Saudi Arabia, AERO ME

Who attends

GA aircraft manufacturers expanding into the Middle East, Saudi GA pilots and prospective student pilots, Saudi flight schools and academies, GACA representatives, regional carriers (Saudia, Riyadh Air, FlyADeal, FlyNas) on the periphery, business aviation operators, and a substantial public-day family audience drawn by aerial performances.

Why flight schools attend

Saudi pilot training demand is one of the fastest-growing globally as Vision 2030 expands domestic aviation. Flight schools building Saudi student volume, placing graduates into Saudi carriers, or evaluating Middle East market entry find AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun a primary annual venue. The combined AERO brand recognition gives the event international credibility from its first edition.

Frequently Asked Questions

AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun is the regional debut of the AERO brand in the Middle East — operated by Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Saudi Aviation Club. The original AERO continues annually at Messe Friedrichshafen in Germany (next edition: 14-17 April 2027). The two events share branding heritage but are run by different regional Messe Frankfurt entities.

Yes effectively. The standalone "Saudi International Airshow" at Thumamah Airport did not run in 2026 in its previous biennial form. The Saudi aerospace event presence has consolidated into AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun at the same Thumamah Airport venue.

AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun 2026 runs 24-28 November 2026 at Thumamah Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Confirmed via the official site sandnfun.com and the AERO Friedrichshafen press release.

Related events

Friedrichshafen, Germany