Italian innovation at the heart of airport transformation in the Middle East

As airports across the Middle East undergo a sweeping transformation driven by rapid passenger growth, sustainability mandates, and digitalisation, Italian companies are stepping up as pivotal partners in shaping the next generation of aviation infrastructure. 

At the intersection of design, technology, and engineering excellence, Italy is not only contributing to airport development projects but also helping redefine what a modern, efficient, and sustainable airport should be.

In recent years, trade relations between Italy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have seen remarkable growth, particularly in sectors tied to aviation and airport infrastructure.

In 2024 alone, trade between the two nations reached a record €9.9 billion, with Italian exports growing nearly 20% year-on-year. Mechanical engineering, a sector in which Italy excels, accounted for €1.5 billion of those exports, demonstrating Italy’s central role in the region’s infrastructure development.

According to Valerio Soldani, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Dubai, this growth reflects more than economic figures; it signals a strategic partnership built on shared priorities of innovation and sustainability.

The Airport Show 2025, held in Dubai, is a testament to this evolving relationship, with the Italian Pavilion—organised by the Italian Trade Agency and Air Tech Italia—featuring 25 pioneering Italian companies. This marks Italy’s largest presence at the event to date, symbolising the country’s deepening commitment to the region’s aviation future.

Italian companies are making their mark at every phase of airport development. From airfield lighting and smart access systems to cutting-edge IT platforms and AI-driven baggage handling, their solutions are already transforming global airport operations. One notable example is A-ICE’s robust software platform, which ensures compliance with international regulations while protecting passenger data privacy. Handling Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNRGOV) data, this system enables real-time verification—crucial for high-traffic airports processing over 100 million passengers annually.

Another innovative deployment is Reco 3.26’s facial recognition pedestal, currently in use at Malta International Airport. This system streamlines security and boarding processes by capturing biometric data and tracking passenger flow, ensuring seamless transit through critical checkpoints. Meanwhile, aerospace giant Leonardo is teaming up with start-up EyeCan to deploy AI-based baggage handling systems that minimize lost luggage and enhance security through intelligent tracking and anomaly detection.

“Sustainability and automation are no longer optional—they’re foundational,” says Giulio De Carli, President of Air Tech Italy and Founder & Managing Partner of One Work. Backed by strong national policies like Italy’s Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM), Italian companies are embedding eco-conscious design into every product and solution. This includes seating systems that lower CO2 emissions, flooring made from recycled materials, and floodlighting technologies that reduce light pollution. Such innovations not only meet regulatory expectations but reflect a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

Beyond the technical innovations, Italian design excellence plays a key role in future-proofing airports. The architectural firm One Works exemplifies this philosophy by fusing functionality with elegance in its approach to airport infrastructure. Italian design traditions—marked by detail, elegance, and innovation—enhance both the aesthetic value and operational efficiency of terminals.

As Gulf airports prepare for an expected surge in passenger numbers—projected to surpass 1.1 billion annually by 2040—the need for resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure becomes more urgent. Italian stakeholders are responding with holistic solutions that blend physical construction with digital tools like AI-based flow management and digital twins, allowing for real-time performance analysis and smarter operational decisions.

Ultimately, the partnership between Italy and the Middle East in airport transformation reflects a shared vision: to build smarter, greener, and more human-centric airports that can adapt to the evolving needs of global travelers. 

As the region pushes the boundaries of what aviation infrastructure can achieve, Italian innovation is not only keeping pace—it’s helping lead the way.