Business aviation in the Middle East is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by the region’s strategic investments, economic diversification, and increasing demand for private travel. With hubs like Dubai and Riyadh leading the charge, the sector benefits from state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative technologies, and a growing base of high-net-worth individuals. The Middle East is emerging as a key player in global business aviation, emphasising sustainability, leading platforms for advanced air mobility, enhanced connectivity, and luxury services to cater to corporate and individual clients.

With this backdrop, the tenth edition of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) 2024 was organised in December 2024. Held at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), MEBAA 2024 solidified its position as the premier business aviation platform in the Middle East and North Africa. Over three days, the event attracted attendees from more than 95 countries, uniting global leaders, innovators, and industry visionaries to drive growth, innovation, and collaboration in business aviation.

The MEBAA Show 2024 drew to a close with a series of key deals and announcements, all set to drive the business aviation industry forward. The event attracted attendees from 100 countries, showcasing a notable rise in international participation compared to previous editions—underscoring its importance to the global business and private aviation sectors. Throughout the show, more than 145 local, regional and international exhibitors displayed the latest business aviation aircraft, technology and solutions which are supporting the industry’s strong growth trajectory. With more than 30 aircraft on display, this was one of the most remarkable static displays in the MEBAA Show’s history, with representation from leading names such as Airbus Corporate Jets, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Gulfstream, Textron, and more.

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President also visited the show on its opening day, which gathered members of the business aviation community from more than 95 countries. Reaffirming its position as the foremost business aviation platform in the Middle East and North Africa, exhibitors and visitors convened to explore key themes of sustainability, business aviation technologies and future trends that will shape the industry.

“The MEBAA Show has always been more than just an event – it is a platform for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration, setting benchmarks for the future of business aviation”
—Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman of MEBAA

Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman of MEBAA - the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association, commented, “This year’s MEBAA Show sets another milestone in the remarkable evolution of business aviation across the region. On day one, we’ve seen the unveiling of innovative technologies, new solutions, and exciting announcements that are driving the industry forward. The energy and collaboration among exhibitors, visitors, and global leaders have set the tone for what promises to be an impactful show. We are proud to be at the heart of these transformative conversations and look forward to building on today’s momentum in the days ahead.”

The MEBAA Show 2024 underscored its role as a key platform for collaboration, fostering partnerships essential to the growth of the business aviation sector. Khaled Hashem, President of Honeywell Middle East and Africa, emphasised the UAE’s leadership in aviation innovation, citing its position as a global hub driving growth and prosperity. Honeywell showcased its cutting-edge solutions at MEBAA 2024, reflecting over 70 years of serving regional customers and aligning with aviation megatrends.

Holger Ostheimer, Managing Director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, praised the region’s visionary leadership, highlighting Dubai’s two decades of aviation growth and Saudi Arabia’s rising prominence. He noted the influx of wealthy individuals relocating to the region, creating an exceptional environment for business aviation. Similarly, Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, reinforced Dubai’s status as a private aviation hub, pointing to Al Maktoum Airport’s five-runway infrastructure and a 230 per cent surge in UAE flights since 2019, prompting significant MRO investments.

Networking opportunities were further enhanced by the Operators Programme, sponsored by Saudia Private Aviation, and the Platinum Guest Programme, sponsored by Falcon. Discussions extended to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 during the panel “The Rise of Saudi Arabia – Exploring the Boom and Opportunities,” which detailed plans to expand to 250 destinations and serve 330 million passengers with $100 billion in investments. Eng. Imtiyaz Manzary of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) outlined efforts to streamline regulations, create 30,000 jobs, and drive growth in emerging sectors like eVTOL and air mobility.

The BizAv Talks conference featured over 55 top executives, including 70 per cent c-suite speakers, addressing themes such as the future of business aviation, sustainability, and the evolving market landscape. Youssef Mouallem, Executive Vice President of Vista, emphasised the strategic importance of the Middle East for private aviation, describing it as not just a status symbol but a vital business tool. New platforms such as the Startup Hub and the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion spotlighted innovations like eVTOL technologies, while the NextGen Leaders platform engaged students with industry experts to inspire future talent in business aviation. Collaboration remained central to the event’s success, supported by initiatives like the Operators Programme, sponsored by Saudia Private Aviation, and the Platinum Guest Programme, sponsored by Falcon. The AI-powered MEBAA Connect matchmaking app facilitated lead generation, pre-scheduled meetings, and enhanced networking opportunities.

MEBAA PROVIDES PLATFORMS FOR KEY DISCUSSIONS

The BizAv Talks conference commenced with a compelling exploration of “The Next Frontier of Business Aviation,” attracting prominent executives and innovators from across the globe. The opening panel, titled ‘Middle East BizAv and the Global Equation,’ delved into how the Middle East’s strategic investments, forward-thinking policies, and economic diversification have revolutionised business aviation. The discussions emphasised the region’s strengths, challenges, and its transformative role in the global business aviation market, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

The day’s sessions included insights from key industry figures such as Andrea Zanetto, CEO of Comlux Aviation; Joanne Goodall, CEO – Europe of TAG Aviation Europe; Jorge Colindres, Founder & Executive Chairman of San Marino Aircraft Registry; and Bernard Van Milders, President & CEO of Flying Group. These experts contributed to shaping a robust narrative about the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global business aviation.

Another panel then unpacked the key trends with global industry representatives, including Kurt H. Edwards, Director General of IBAC; Douglas Carr, Senior Vice President, Safety, Security, Sustainability & International Operations of NBAA; Robert Baltus, Chief Operations Officer of EBAA; and Jenny Lau, Vice Chair, Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) & Founder and Vice Chair of Sino Jet.

With sustainability and innovation as key themes, the session titled “What has changed in the evolving BizAv landscape?” saw David Van Den Langenbergh, Chief Industry Affairs Officer of Luxaviation Group, and Youssef Mouallem, Executive Vice President-International of Vista, discussed how market demands, alternative fuels, and emerging business models are shaping the future of fleet strategies and operations in business aviation.

A panel moderated by Vincent featured global leaders such as Kurt H. Edwards (IBAC), Douglas Carr (NBAA), Robert Baltus (EBAA), and Jenny Lau (AsBAA), who explored industry trends. Discussions emphasised sustainability and innovation, with David Van Den Langenbergh of Luxaviation Group underscoring the need for investments in SAF despite high costs, while Vista’s Youssef Mouallem highlighted private aviation’s critical role in global connectivity.

The session “Trade Secrets and Insights for Aircraft Owners” provided strategies for navigating the aviation market, featuring Chad Anderson (Jetcraft), Nadav Kessler (Asian Sky Group), and Paul P. Jebely (The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation). Panelists delved into market complexities, emphasising resilience and strategic approaches to fleet management.

Mouallem further emphasised MEBAA’s importance as a platform for building connections and showcasing Vista’s solutions tailored to evolving corporate and individual needs. He noted the Middle East’s growing reliance on private aviation as a critical business tool, driving efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity.

The MEBAA Show concluded, with more BizAv Talks sessions set to offer strategic insights focused on the daily theme of ‘The Business of Business Aviation’.

Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi also said, “The MEBAA Show has always been more than just an event – it is a platform for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. This year’s edition has surpassed all expectations, with record attendance, impactful discussions, and transformative announcements that will shape the future of business aviation. As we continue to witness rapid growth in the region, we remain committed to fostering partnerships, advancing sustainable solutions, and paving the way for the next generation of business aviation professionals.”

Shining a spotlight on the future of business aviation, the final day featured the ‘NextGen Leaders’ programme, an interactive initiative where students engaged with industry leaders to explore career pathways. Ali Alnaqbi opened the session with insights on unlocking opportunities in business aviation, followed by a panel of top HR leaders from Lufthansa Technik Middle East, Aviation Services Management, LunaJets, UAS, and IAE, who shared practical advice, essential skills, and personal experiences to prepare students for success in this dynamic field.

FURTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM MEBAA 2024

Other key highlights include the Startup Hub, a brand-new platform for global startups to showcase innovations and connect with the business aviation sector, as well as the newly launched Advanced Air Mobility pavilion showcasing eVTOL technologies, and the returning Next Gen Leaders platform. Meanwhile, the new Luxury Boulevard, sponsored by Falcon, brought a dedicated showcase of the world’s most esteemed luxury brands alongside the iconic business jets at the static display. The static display was a major attraction, featuring aircraft from renowned names like RoyalJet, Qatar Executive, and Vista, with 12 exhibitors debuting their aircraft. With more than 145 exhibitors and over 30 aircraft on display, this year’s MEBAA Show set new benchmarks for innovation and collaboration. Industry giants such as Airbus Corporate Jets, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, and Gulfstream showcased cutting-edge technologies and aircraft, emphasising the sector’s strong growth trajectory.

Attendees saw the launch of new initiatives and deals, as well as heard from top executives and innovators at the BizAv Talks conference. As a key highlight at the show, content focused on daily themes: The Next Frontier of Business Aviation; Driving a Sustainable Future for BizAv; and The Business of Business Aviation and NextGen Leaders. Top industry names on the agenda included: David Van Den Langenbergh, Chief Industry Affairs Officer of Luxaviation Group; Walid Alrahmani, Assistant Director General Strategy & International Affairs of General Civil Aviation Authority, UAE; Youssef Mouallem, Executive Vice President-International of Vista; Joanne Goodall, Chief Executive Officer – Europe of TAG Aviation Europe; and Kurt Edwards, Director General of IBAC; among others.

Reflecting the diversity of its agenda, the MEBAA Show 2024 has not only reinforced the region’s reputation as a hub for business aviation, but also demonstrated the sector’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and talent development. From transformative partnerships to inspiring initiatives, the show has set the benchmark for what the future holds for the industry.