Israel weapons makers leave stands empty at Dubai Airshow amid Gaza war

The exhibition stands of Israeli weapons makers Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems were empty at the start of the opening day of the weeklong Dubai Airshow on Monday, amid Israel's brutal onslaught in Gaza.

It was not immediately clear why there were no staff at either of the exhibition stands, which were located close to the pavilion of United Arab Emirates state arms maker EDGE. IAI and EDGE signed joint development programmes at the last Dubai Airshow in 2021.

IAI and Rafael did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment on their participation. The IAI exhibition stand was blocked off with red rope.

An exhibition stand for the locally registered company of Israel's Elbit Systems was staffed, although one staff member declined to answer press questions on their participation.

Arab and Muslim nations over the weekend called for a halt in arms sales to Israel as the mounting death toll from Israel's invasion of Gaza launched on 7 October, has provoked outrage in Arab capitals.

At least 11,240 Palestinians have been killed by Israel's military onslaught so far, with over 2,000 people feared trapped under rubble.

Israel has also placed Gaza under a complete siege, depriving its 2.3 million residents of fuel, water and food as hospitals cease to function.

Over 1 million people are said to be displaced as Israeli soldiers move south through Gaza.

Elbit System established the UAE-registered company in 2021 with the state aim of establishing long-term cooperation with the Emirati military. The Israeli parent company has in recent weeks publicly stated its support for Israel and its military.

A man wearing traditional Emirati attire, was offering traditional Arab coffee to those visiting the Elbit Systems stand, also near UAE's EDGE.

Israeli companies have only openly participated in UAE exhibitions and conferences since 2020, when the Gulf Arab power and Israel controversially established diplomatic ties under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.

The deal was lambasted by Palestinians, who said the move rewarded Israel as it continues to occupy, bomb and besieged the West Bank and Gaza.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has reportedly said it intends to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel despite the international outcry over the mounting toll of the war in Gaza, sources familiar with UAE government policy.