In a report published on Monday, Boeing said the Middle East is going to need 3,350 new airplanes during the upcoming 20 years worth USD730 billion. Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh al- Balushi, head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense, announced on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow sealing eight deals worth AED3.247 billion (USD883 million) encompassing five local companies and three international companies. Balushi stated that Global Aerospace Logistics contracted to provide technical and administrative services as well as logistic support to helicopters for the best interest of armed forces. Also a contract was made with Advanced Integrated Systems to provide logistical support maintenance and services to reconnaissance aircraft. The first day witnessed the signing of 11 deals worth AED6.5 billion for the Ministry of Defense – the total signed deals amounted to over AED9.789 billion (USD2.6 billion) in the two days. Further, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Capital signed a deal with Gulf Air to lease it five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which are expected to be added to Bahrain national carrier fleet in 2018. The company declared that the aircraft will assist Gulf Air in expanding its network and supporting its future growth demands on the long-run. Gulf Air deputy CEO, Captain Waleed Abdulhameed al-Alawi, stated: “Our agreement with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise sees Gulf Air gear up for a landmark moment in our history as we welcome five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in the coming months. The incoming aircraft represent an important step in our strategic direction towards furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process, enhancing passenger comfort and broadening our network as we look to strengthen our presence across the globe.” In addition, Air Arabia and Air Lease Corp announced on Monday a leasing agreement for six Airbus A321neo long-range aircraft from at the Dubai Airshow.