AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun brings together two things: a general aviation trade show from the organisers of AERO Friedrichshafen, and Sand & Fun, the fly-in and air show held at Al Thumamah Airport on the northern edge of Riyadh. The combination gives you exhibitors selling aircraft, avionics and training alongside visiting light aircraft, aerobatic displays and plenty to look at on the ground. Saudi Arabia has been working to grow private flying, flight training and air sports, and this five-day event is one of the main places where that’s on show. December is also a comfortable time to visit Riyadh, with mild days and cool evenings. AERO lists the 2027 dates on its official event calendar; keep an eye on the organiser’s pages for tickets, opening hours and the flying programme as the show gets closer.

Dates: Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 December 2027, Al Thumamah Airport, Riyadh.

Official website: https://www.aero-expo.com/

Where to stay

Al Thumamah is north of Riyadh, so hotels in the north of the city and near the airport road are the most convenient: