As the business aviation sector continues to see strong growth in the region, the upcoming MEBAA Show will gather leading minds and machines from across the business and private aviation landscape to Dubai. 

The MEBAA Show, the Middle East's premier business aviation event, is gearing up for its return to Dubai this December, offering exclusive access to the region’s booming private jet market, where luxury, travel, and business intersect seamlessly.

This year’s edition promises to be bigger and more dynamic than ever, featuring a revamped agenda that introduces innovative concepts. The show is a must-attend for industry leaders, providing unmatched networking opportunities, insights into the latest market trends, and a showcase of cutting-edge products and services.

Building on the success of its 2022 edition, which saw a staggering 56 per cent increase in visitors, the upcoming 10th edition is expected to surpass all expectations, according to organisers.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates airline, the MEBAA Show will be held from December 10-12 at Dubai World Central (DWC), the Dubai Airshow Site.

The UAE remains a leader in the region’s private and business aviation sectors, commanding 41 per cent of the total market and 63 per cent of the region’s business jet and private aircraft fleet, according to Ali Al Naqbi, Founder and CEO of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

Al Naqbi also highlights the surge in demand for private and business aviation in Dubai, with an 8 per cent increase in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2023, signalling continued growth for the sector.

The global business jet market continues to grow and is predicted to increase from $42.14 billion in 2022 to $62.66 billion in 2030. The Middle East and Africa region will be a key contributor to this growth. While the Covid-19 pandemic helped fuel growth, the prominence of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) – particularly in large economies such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia – and growing aviation emission rules continue to influence the market.

Alnaqbi says: “The business aviation industry continues to see strong demand and, as a result, we are witnessing substantial investment in market infrastructure and ancillary products and services, along with the addition of new aircraft. The MEBAA Show aims to be a leader in the development of our industry, demonstrating innovation across the sector and gathering leading minds to uncover new pathways. We are delighted to be bringing local, regional and international stakeholders from across the business and private aviation landscape to Dubai, ready to chart the way forward and collectively shape the future of our industry.”

A number of international companies have already signed up and confirmed their attendance for the MEBAA Show, including Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Bombardier, Embraer, Empire Aviation, DC Aviation, Vista and Saudia Private.

Organisations will have the chance to meet industry experts including leaders from OEMs, brokers, operators, trip support, fixed base operator (FBO) and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) sectors and completions, among others. As the only event of its kind in the Middle East that combines a trade show and aircraft display on the same site, attendees will also witness a spectacular line-up of private jets and luxury showcases from world-class exhibitors.

New for this year, Vista at the MEBAA Show will be an extension of the successful startup hub launched during the Dubai Airshow 2021. Offering a brand-new platform for global startups to showcase their innovations and network with the business aviation industry, the hub will feature technologies ranging from crypto and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to sustainability, among others.

BizAv Talks

The MEBAA Show will convene global business aviation experts at BizAv Talks, a premier platform driving high-level discussions on the future of the industry. The conference will gather more than 40 top executives and innovators to shape the strategic direction of business aviation.

This year’s discussions will revolve around three key themes – The Next Frontier of Business Aviation, Driving a Sustainable Future, and The Business of Business Aviation – offering strategic insights into both regional and global challenges shaping the industry's future.

Global leadership will be a central focus, with many top business aviation executives – including Jeny Lau, Chair of Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and Founder and Vice Chair of Sino Jet, Joanne Goodall, CEO of TAG Aviation Europe, and Justin Bowman, Group CEO of Air Charter Service, among others – addressing the Middle East audience for the first time.

As the industry aligns with global environmental goals, sustainability will remain a critical focus. Expert voices from DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) will discuss actionable strategies to navigate the evolving business aviation landscape, focusing on Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region trends, regulations, infrastructure and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key Features

MEBAA Show features a unique set of new and exciting facilities, designed to provide premium networking opportunities and cultivate valuable connections. They include:

Operators Lounge: A valuable platform created specifically for networking with both regional and international operators, to discuss potential partnerships, and forge lasting relationships within the business aviation sector.

Luxury Boulevard: An all-new dedicated showcase at the MEBAA Show 2024, where the world’s esteemed luxury brands will be featured alongside iconic private jets at the static display –  a rare opportunity to experience the ultimate in high-end aviation and luxury lifestyle.

AAM Pavilion: Experience the future of aviation at the AAM Pavilion, where the latest eVTOLs entering the market are showcased in a dedicated area within the exhibition hall, alongside a dynamic conference programme.

Aircraft Viewing: Get up close and personal with a spectacular line-up of jets unlike anything seen before, ranging from light jet aircraft through helicopters, executive liners/bizliners, midsize cabin jets and more from world-class exhibitors.

MEBAA Cafe: The MEBAA Café located at the heart of the exhibitor floor provides an inviting and an open atmosphere to allow visitors to socialise, network and create meaningful connections over a fresh cup of coffee.

Rikas Hospitality: An exclusive opportunity to host clients in a VIP hospitality. An invite-only area for the industry’s elite to meet, connect and do business whilst savouring the finest cuisine of the UAE.

BizAv Social: A launch gathering for BizAv industry leaders to mingle, brainstorm, and chill out in a laid-back vibe, taking place on the evening of day 2 after the show.

Next-Gen Leaders: Featuring a comprehensive half-day programme tailored for students, the event offers engaging content, interactive workshops, and guided tours. Next Gen aims to inspire students and young professionals to pursue careers in aviation.

Startup Hub: The startup hub will offer a brand-new platform for global startups to showcase their innovations and network with the business aviation industry.