Why Was Israel's Pavilion at the Dubai Airshow Empty?

The exhibition stands of the Israeli weapon manufacturing companies (Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) appeared empty on the first day of the week-long Dubai Airshow. It was not immediately clear why no staff were present at either of the stands, located near the booth of the Emirati defense industry company "Edge." Israel Aerospace Industries and Edge had signed joint development programs at the previous Dubai Airshow in 2021. Reuters reported that neither Israel Aerospace Industries nor Rafael have yet responded to email requests for comments regarding their participation. The entrance to the Israel Aerospace booth was closed off with a red rope. Staff were present at the stand of a locally registered company affiliated with Elbit Systems, but one employee refused to answer press questions about their participation. Notably, the Israeli company Elbit Systems was registered in the UAE in 2021 with the aim of establishing long-term cooperation with the Emirati military.