Middle East Business Aviation takes off today with a record number of exhibitors – 422 compared with 385 two years ago – and in its permanent new home for the first time at Dubai World Central.
MEBA began life in the former Dubai Expo next to the city’s international airport. But when that complex was demolished and while the current facility was being built, the show had to move temporarily in 2012 to the new passenger terminal at DWC – a location far from ideal.
Show founder Ali Al Naqbi – who heads the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) – says the present hall, which has plenty spare capacity, gives the event “room to grow”.
MEBA is also, he maintains, the only business aviation convention that “has everything in one place – exhibition hall, static display and chalets”. This gives exhibitors the opportunity to entertain VIP customers in privacy and comfort.
“They can entertain their clients, away from the crowds,” he says. “This is a show that attracts very high-end visitors, such as members of royal families.”
This year’s event has attracted debutants such as Saudi charter provider Alpha Star, completions house Greenpoint Technologies and US fixed base operator XJet, which is opening a base at Dubai World Central, says Michele Van Akelijen, managing director of organiser Fairs & Exhibitions.
As well as a conference, which took place on Sunday, MEBA this year includes a Futures Day on Wednesday, to which 400 local engineering students are being invited in the hope that they develop an interest in working in aviation.
MEBAA will also launch its first spin-off show in Casablanca, Morocco next September, and intends to hold similar events throughout the wider Middle East and North Africa region in alternate years to MEBA.
Source: Flight Daily News
