The 11th Edition of the Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference (DIACC) commenced in grand style at Atlantis, The Palm. This prestigious event, coinciding with the 18th Dubai Airshow 2023, attracted over 80 official delegations and industry leaders in defence, aviation, and technology.
Inauguration and keynote highlights
The conference was inaugurated by Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs. Prominent attendees included Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
In his keynote address, Al Bowardi emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fostering advancements in aviation and technology. He highlighted the event as a catalyst for achieving strategic objectives in the aviation sector, marking two decades of progress and international collaboration.
This year’s DIACC focused on balancing cutting-edge and traditional technologies in Air Force and Air Defence industries. The conference featured three main discussion sessions, each addressing critical aspects of air power transformation.
The first session, “Leadership in the Information Age,” brought together senior delegates from various air forces, including Italy, Australia, and the UAE. The panel discussed the challenges of preparing airmen for high-tech environments and adapting to the changing nature of warfare in a data-centric world.
The second panel, “Development – Education, Equipment, And Training,” featured insights from the U.S. Air Force Central Command and Indian Air Force, among others. The conversation centered on leveraging new capabilities for decision-making and integrating AI to enhance combat effectiveness.
The concluding session focused on “Manpower – Recruiting and Retaining Talent,” with inputs from the French Air and Space Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and RAND Project Air Force. Discussions revolved around civil-military partnerships, the role of the private sector in innovation, and the impact of AI and space technology on military requirements.
The conference, which has become a vital forum for global air power leaders, saw significant sponsorship from leading defense and aviation companies. Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Dassault Aviation were the gold sponsors, while Boeing, MBDA, Saab, Rafael, and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems served as associate sponsors. The event also garnered substantial media attention, with partnerships from Foreign Policy, Defense News, Arabian Aerospace, Cyber Defense Magazine, Al Jundi, and Nation Shield.
A platform for future air power strategies
For two decades, DIACC has played a crucial role in shaping the future of air power. As air forces worldwide adapt to the evolving dynamics of space and cyberspace, this conference provides an essential platform for leaders to share insights and plan for future challenges. The event underscores the UAE’s position as a hub for global defence and technology discussions, further strengthening its role in international military and strategic planning.
