MEBA 2014 – the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event, looks set to cement Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, with exhibitors coming from over 45 countries to attend the show from 8-10 December this year.
The bi-annual event will build on the enormous success of its 2012 run when it opens this year at the purpose-built Dubai World Central aerotropolis for the first time. With the growing infrastructure in place at Dubai World Central, the world is paying attention to the ambitious growth plans for the regional aviation sector.
“It’s no surprise with Dubai being seen as a global aviation hub, that some of the worlds most powerful, exciting and interesting companies are choosing to exhibit,” Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA – Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association said.
“With the number of business and private aircraft registered in the region expected to more than double by 2020, clearly the world wants to come to Dubai for a slice of this billion dollar market. This is demonstrated by the fact that currently, over 70 per cent of the exhibitors confirmed for MEBA come from outside the Middle East.”
Organised by F&E Aerospace on behalf of Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association, this year’s MEBA (MEBAA) has a strong focus on this anticipated sector growth.
Business aviation analysts suggest the region’s private business jet market is on course for a 13 to 15 per cent growth in 2014; bolstered by more aircraft orders and charter requests.
“We are welcoming more exhibitors from as far afield as the USA, Europe and Asia. In fact, the US is bringing a large contingent, with almost an equal number exhibitors already confirmed from the States as the Middle East and Europe. Plus we are seeing an increased percentage of exhibitors are coming from Asia than the 2012 edition,” the MEBAA chairman, said.
The global reach of MEBA 2014 provides an opportunity for business aviation professionals in the Middle East to network and do business with companies from around the world, conveniently located on their own doorstep in Dubai. With four months to go, the show still expects to host a significant number of UAE based companies. Examples of confirmed exhibitors include Honeywell Aerospace from the UAE, Gulfstream from the USA, TAG Farnborough from the UK and Taeco from China.
“MEBA has clearly transcended its regional show status and with the new purpose-built venue at DWC, an expanding FBO infrastructure and footfall and demand forecasts growing, in 2014 the event will surely set the benchmark for industry events,” said Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director, F&E Aerospace.
MEBA is the first and only show dedicated to business aviation in the Middle East. It closed its three day 2012 run with attendance which soared 20 per cent on 2010 to 7,549 attendees from 84 countries; 37 nations more than the previous show. Reflecting the high level of senior interest, more than 50 rulers and members of royal families from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait & Qatar attended the 2012 event.
The 2014 edition looks set to grow even more, with in excess of 8,000 visitors expected to visit the 75,000 square metre dedicated space.