More than 160 exhibitors as well as 63 hosted buyers will take part in The Airport Show, a leading event devoted to airport construction, operations, technology and services, which kicks off in Dubai on Tuesday.

The expo will cater to the needs of existing and new airports in the region where development and expansion projects are estimated to cost $90 billion over the next few years, said the organisers.

Of this, 'Airport Show 2011' has attracted projects that have in the pipeline sourcing needs to the tune of over $29.16 billion, they added.

The event, being organised by Reed Exhibitions, runs till June 2 at Airport Expo in Dubai. It is held under patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates chairman and CEO.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, show director, Reed Exhibitions ME, said airport development and expansion has been projected to exponentially grow over the coming years in the Middle East and Asia.

A key project to take center-stage at the show is King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) that will aim to source state-of-the-art technology and construction materials for its estimated spending of $11.3 billion towards its expansion.

'As we near the exhibition date, we are looking forward to gather the sector’s veterans, who will exchange valuable industry insights, highlight opportunities and explore a roadmap to overcome challenges,' he added.

The ‘Airport Leaders Summit’ will run from 31 May – 1 June on the sidelines of the exhibition and focus on security, sustainable expansion and current economic concerns.

The summit will offer an unparalleled opportunity to interact with an elite group of decision-makers from governments and businesses worldwide.

It will also aim to find long-term solutions to strategic issues the industry faces in the wake of the global economic uncertainty, rigid credit markets, high fuel prices and changing regulatory norms.

Additionally, the event will deliver a combination of high quality networking and business development opportunities through a series of roundtable discussions and seminars.

Innovation seminars will cover topics such as ‘Cavotec Innovative Gate Systems’ ‘Environmental Capacity: Managing the Impact of Airport Noise’ and ‘The World's First Mobile Passenger Terminal’.

In addition to spotlighting the KAIA, the project seminars will feature the new design and development of the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The show is sponsored by King Abdulaziz International Airport, Thales and Tiger Profiles. It is also supported by Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, UAE Contractors Association, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association, Danish Airport Group, Ubifrance and the Netherlands Airport Technology Group.-TradeArabia News Service