Business aviation in the UAE is booming, if attendance at the MEBAA Show 2016 is any indication of the region’s appetite for the industry. With an almost 10% increase in exhibitors over the previous edition, when the show opens its doors at DWC, Airshow Site on the 6 December, visitor numbers are predicted to reach a new high of 9000 across the three days.
“The interest we have seen from exhibitors for this year’s show is incredible,” says Ali Alnaqbi, Founding Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). “There really is an incredible appetite for business aviation in the Middle East. This has come to the attention of companies outside the region too, we have seen a significant increase in exhibitors from places such as Asia and Europe. They know that the MEBAA Show is the ideal place for the industry to meet and do business with professionals from the region and beyond.”
Interest from global exhibitors has risen over the years, reaffirming the region’s reputation in the industry. Of the 460 exhibitors at the MEBAA Show 2016, 30% will be from Europe and 27% from the USA. With the UAE still heavily represented at almost 20% of the exhibitors, others are coming from further afield such as Ivory Jet from Africa, Saint Royal Aviation from Asia and Embraer Executive Jets from Brazil.
One of the highlights of the MEBAA Show will once again be the static display, with up to 50 of the latest business aircraft on display from many exhibitors. These will include multiple aircraft from OEMs such as Gulfstream, Dassault and Embraer Executive Jets, plus offerings from operators Saudia Private Aviation and Jetcraft, among others.
“The static display is always popular among our exhibitors and visitors alike,” Alnaqbi confirms, “As there is no equivalent to viewing an aircraft and walking onto it to experience it completely. There are often queues for popular aircraft on display, especially at busy times. With so many expected for the MEBAA Show 2016, it will certainly be a popular part of the show.”
The MEBAA Show will again include the U.S. Pavilion, with Kallman International bringing a number of American companies under that umbrella. The U.S. Pavilion gives companies exposure to the burgeoning Middle East market to take advantage of the networking and business opportunities available; where they otherwise may not be able to. As a result, the MEBAA Show has an even greater inclusion of U.S. based exhibitors for the attendees to meet and network with.
Also returning for 2016 will be Futures Day, taking place on the last day of the MEBAA Show. Around 500 students from local universities will be invited to attend a day of presentations from key figures in the business aviation industry, giving them a unique insight into the potential careers available.
The MEBAA Show takes place 6-8 December 2016 at DWC, Airshow Site, and visitor registration will open shortly on the show
