The 10th edition of the MEBAA show is set to open at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport on Tuesday, with 145 exhibitors seeking to capitalize on private aviation growth across the Middle East and Africa. The biennial event running from December 10 to 12 is organized by the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) and is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors from 95 countries.

MEBAA’s expanded conference agenda reflects the rapid pace of change since the show launched two decades ago, addressing pressing matters such as environmental sustainability and technological advances that will be presented by 55 senior industry leaders in the BizAv Talks program. The 2024 show also features new elements such as the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion, the Startup Hub, and the Luxury Boulevard.

“The business aviation sector continues to experience significant growth, fuelled by rising demand for flexible travel solutions and technological advancements,” said Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, MEBAA’s founding and executive chairman. “In our region, the influx of high-net-worth individuals, its strategic location, investments in infrastructure, and rising numbers of business jet movements and deliveries is helping the Middle East maintain its position as one of the fastest growing markets globally.”

Leading aircraft manufacturers will be prominent at the static display, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, and Textron. The lineup, which includes some companies who skipped this year's EBACE and NBAA-BACE shows, also features major operators and service provides such as Qatar Executive, Royal Jet, VistaJet, Falcon Aviation, Comlux, Aloula Aviation, and Saudia Private Aviation.

Show organizers have promised personalized networking opportunities through its MEBAA Connect app and “AI-powered matchmaking.” The NextGen program will include participation by 500 students.

Recent traffic data released by WingX showed business jet departures from airports in the Middle East increasing by 8% at a time when decline has been recorded in some other regions. Honeywell’s most recent Global Business Aviation Outlook shows the Middle East outpacing fleet growth rates elsewhere, albeit with activity levels somewhat dented by ongoing conflicts.

According to Honeywell's analysts, of 832 aircraft in the region, 54% are operated out of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and South Africa. The company sees further expansion of demand for new-production aircraft driven by the prevalence of high-net-worth individuals in this part of the world.

AIN Media Group will publish editions each day at the MEBAA show. Full news coverage will also be available on a dedicated show landing page at AINonline.