If the global industry is heading for lean times, no-one seems to have told the Gulf's business aviation community. With more than 250 exhibitors and 60 aircraft on static display, the second Middle East Business Aviation convention - held at Dubai's Airport Expo from 16-18 November - is almost treble the size of the debut show, which was held in early 2007.
"The market is moving along very well and still booming, with a number of start-up operators putting their feet on the ground," says Ali Al Naqbi, chairman of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), which hosts the event with organiser Fairs & Exhibitions.
The importance of the local market has propelled MEBA into the top three shows in the sector, alongside NBAA in the USA and EBACE in Switzerland. But despite its location, Al Naqbi is keen that MEBA and its host association are not viewed as Dubai- or even Gulf-centric. "We want to expand our coverage to the whole MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region," he says. "Although the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the biggest markets, there is also Bahrain and Qatar and we would also like to broaden our appeal to countries such as Morocco and Sudan."
Indeed, MEBAA is considering moving the show around the region. "That was our original plan, but we would need a request and then to thoroughly review the venue. As long as it meets our criteria, we are willing to support an event anywhere," he says.
In truth, however, there are few locations can offer Dubai's mix of visitor facilities, transport links and other infrastructure, lack of visa restrictions and security, although Abu Dhabi and Bahrain would be the likeliest contenders.
MEBAA will host workshops at this year's event and hold a board meeting the day before, and Al Naqbi expects many delegates to mix business with pleasure by coming to Dubai with their families.
Along with the show, MEBAA has also grown fast since being founded in June 2006 by 16 manufacturers and suppliers. Today the association has 100 members, including most of the main operators, and has a mission to "enhance and promote the industry" in the Middle East as well as providing its members with "networking opportunities".
MEBAA will be taking on its first full-time employees next year. "Having 100 members under one umbrella gives us a voice to be heard by the governments," says Al Naqbi.
In its second year, MEBA has become one of the top three business aviation shows
Source: Flight International
